11 Summer Cupcake Toppings
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Decorate your dessert table with these themed cupcakes—perfect for the beach, picnic, or backyard barbecue.
The height of perfection for summer sweets
Cupcakes are cute, easy-to-make finger food—perfect for casual outdoor gatherings. But sometimes plain frosting can feel a bit dull in a sparkling summer setting. Start with a base. red velvet cupcakes or vanilla cupcakes, then add these simple seasonal toppings. This dessert will not only be delicious but also very impressive at a summer party.
Crushed Ice
When the heat hits, everyone rushes to the ice cream stand. Using crystal sugar sprinkles, food coloring spray, and a striped straw, you can make your own "shaved ice" that won't melt.
Beach Ball
Bubble gum balls transform into a bouncy ball on cream-filled cupcakes topped with sugar and cinnamon—a true beachy touch. Kids can help draw colorful stripes on the gum with edible markers—another fun summer activity.
Burger and fries
This topping evokes memories of snacking on the waterfront and grilling with family—two of the most common summer activities. Don't worry, there's no mustard here—the marmalade is sweet, just like the icing, and you can buy it at almost any bakery.
Shark Fin
They might not be the best choice for the beach, but these cupcakes are very striking. Tint vanilla frosting blue with food coloring spray, then place a gray fondant shark fin on the "water."
Edible flowers
Edible flowers are surprisingly inexpensive, but they add a stunning pop of color to simple cupcakes. They can be found in the produce section of most specialty and organic stores.
Ice Cream Cone
If ice cream isn't the ultimate summer treat, what is? Just top vanilla-frosted cupcakes with store-bought marshmallow cones.
Lemon wedges
Add a little tartness to sweet cupcakes with mini lemon drops. Green fondant leaves make them look like miniature lemons.
Beach umbrella
Who would have thought that a colorful toothpick and a circle of paper (glued together with hot glue) could make such a stunning topping? And what's even better, your summer cupcakes will be protected from the sun, too.
Giant Flower
Use a lollipop topper for a simple and colorful decoration perfect for any party. This striped flower is the sunny centerpiece your dessert table needs.
Candied fruits
Everyone loves toppings that are as delicious as the cake itself (and, of course, the icing). Slices of real candied fruit make the perfect (and natural) decoration. You can make your own or experiment with any dried or candied fruit.
Fresh fruit
A quick and foolproof option: top a cupcake with one of your favorite fruits (or a combination of different ones). Summer favorites include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peach slices.
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