Pull-Apart Cupcake Wreath for Christmas

This Pull-Apart Cupcake Wreath is a festive and fun way to serve cupcakes at your Christmas gathering! It’s easy to assemble, and each guest can grab their own little cupcake from the wreath, making it both a beautiful centerpiece and a treat. Decorated to look like a Christmas wreath, it’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy Christmas dinner. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Red and green gel food coloring (for decoration)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Green gel food coloring (for the wreath)
• Red and white sprinkles (for decoration)
• Mini candy canes or other festive decorations (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease and flour the pan if you’re not using liners.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the Batter:
   Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add green gel food coloring to one bowl and red gel food coloring to the other, mixing until the desired color is achieved.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
   Spoon a tablespoon of red batter and a tablespoon of green batter into each cupcake liner, swirling the two together with a toothpick to create a marbled effect. Fill each liner about 2/3 full.
8. Bake the Cupcakes:
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the Butter:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream:
   Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Color the Frosting:
   Divide the frosting into two portions. Color one portion green with gel food coloring to create the wreath base. You can leave the other portion white for piping decoration or add red food coloring if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcake Wreath

1. Prepare a Serving Platter or Cake Board:
   Place a round platter or cake board where you want to assemble the wreath. You can also use a large circular cake pan as a guide to make the shape.
2. Arrange the Cupcakes in a Wreath Shape:
   Begin by placing the cupcakes in a circle, slightly touching each other to form a wreath. You should be able to fit about 12 cupcakes, depending on the size of your cupcakes and platter.
3. Pipe the Green Frosting:
   Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip (like a 1M or 2D) to pipe green buttercream around the cupcakes. Start from the outer edges and work your way in, creating a wreath-like effect with swirled frosting.
4. Decorate with Red and White Sprinkles:
   Add red and white sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candy decorations onto the wreath for a festive touch. You can also break mini candy canes into small pieces and place them strategically to resemble holly or add more Christmas flair.
5. Add Extra Decorations (Optional):
   If you like, you can add a bow made from red ribbon or more holiday-themed decor like small ornaments, edible stars, or even fondant holly leaves for extra detail.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Your Pull-Apart Cupcake Wreath is now ready to be served! Guests can easily pull apart individual cupcakes, each with its festive green and red swirl and buttery frosting. This is sure to be a showstopper at your Christmas celebration!

Tips for Success:

• Flavor Variations: You can mix up the flavor of your cupcakes by adding a little peppermint extract to the batter or frosting for a minty twist.
• Decorative Options: Get creative with the wreath decorations—use mini marshmallows for snow effects, or pipe some white frosting on top of the cupcakes to mimic snow.
• Make Ahead: You can bake and frost the cupcakes a day ahead, then assemble the wreath on the day of your celebration.

This Pull-Apart Cupcake Wreath is a sweet, festive, and interactive treat that will bring joy and holiday cheer to your table! Perfect for sharing with loved ones, it’s a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas celebration.