You can easily create beautiful cupcakes once you learn how to frost cupcakes with a Ziploc bag. You don't need fancy tools!
How to Frost Cupcakes with a Ziploc Bag
Updated on Aug. 29, 2024
I’m definitely not a gourmet baker, but when it comes time to decorate cupcakes for a party, I like them to look fabulous. Luckily, you don’t need special piping bags or fancy metal tips to decorate cupcakes. We’re going to teach you how to frost cupcakes with a Ziploc bag! So grab a good frosting recipe and let’s get started.
Can You Put Frosting on Cupcakes Using a Ziploc Bag?
The answer is YES! You need a gallon-size Ziploc bag, duct tape and scissors. Simply fold the lower/bottom corner of the bag up to the opposite corner of the top of the bag and secure the line with duct tape. Once you’ve done this step, you can fill the bag with frosting.
Place the frosting bag into a tall glass to make it easier to fill. Roll the top edge of the bag over the top of the glass and use a spatula to fill the bag with your frosting. Be careful to keep the frosting inside the bag to avoid a mess. Once you’ve filled the bag, squeeze out any excess air and then seal the top. I like to use the zip-close on the bag and twist the top of the bag to keep pressure on the frosting as you squeeze it onto your cupcake.
How to Pipe Frosting on Cupcakes with a Ziploc Bag
First, you’ll want to snip the tip of the bag to allow the frosting to flow freely. Be cautious with how large you create the hole based on how you’d like to pipe out your frosting. There are a couple of options for how you can frost the cupcakes:
To Create a Swirl:
Snip a medium-sized hole in the bag. Then, while keeping the bag tightly closed, work from the outside of the cupcake and create a swirl pattern as you work toward the middle.
To Flood with Frosting:
With a slightly larger hole in the bag, squeeze the bag into the center of the cupcake with even pressure to “flood” the top of the cupcake surface. As you reach the desired coverage, loosen the pressure on the bag and draw the bag up to create a frosting point on the cupcake.
Editor’s Tip: To create a two-toned frosting, fill the bag with two shades of frosting side by side. Then pipe your frosting into a simple swirl.
Tips for Frosting Cupcakes with a Ziploc Bag
- Find the right consistency. One of the most important things to consider when frosting your cupcakes with a Ziploc bag is the consistency of the frosting. If it’s too thick, it won’t come out of the bag easily, and if it’s too thin, it’ll just drip everywhere. No good! You want the frosting stiff enough to hold its shape but not too stiff where it won’t flow nicely. If you’re making a rich buttercream frosting and it’s too thick, you can simply add additional milk. If it’s too thin, add additional powdered sugar.
- Don’t overfill the piping bag. Adding too much frosting into the bag will make it difficult to use and may cause the frosting to squirt out of the wrong end.
- Apply consistent pressure. Keep twisting the end of the Ziploc bag to keep the frosting pushed down toward the tip and the air out of the bag. This will make it much easier to keep the flow consistent.
You really don’t need fancy bags or frosting tips to create beautiful cupcakes. Just a Ziploc bag, frosting and a sweet tooth!
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