How to Dip Cupcakes for Mother's Day

Cupcakes are a welcome treat any time of the year, but when dipped in a variety of toppings they make a festive addition to Mother's Day celebrations. Dipped cupcakes are easy and create a tasty centerpiece that won't last long. An endless variety of flavors and textures ensures everyone will be satisfied and mom will be amazed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Swirl in melted chocolate. A simple ganache can be made by bringing 1 cup of heavy whipping cream just to a boil in a heavy saucepan, then pouring it over 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then gently begin stirring in the middle until smooth. Swirl cupcake tops in the glossy mixture and allow them to cool on a rack for a spectacular Mother's Day delicacy.
2. Heat store bought, canned icing in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time, until it is a thick smooth liquid. Allow excess drips to fall away after you dip cupcakes to prevent messy run over. If you use the plastic container the icing came in, clean up is a snap.
3. Roll just-dipped cupcakes in finely-chopped toppings for added flair. Shaved pieces from a chocolate bar or chopped nuts are good choices, but use your imagination. Coconut, diced maraschino cherries, colored sugar and store bought toppings are all tasty additions.
4. Bake your cupcakes in the new Texas-size muffin pans lined with coordinating cupcake liners for large eye-catching treats that will make your Mother's Day celebration extra fun. All the rage, these larger-than-life cupcakes hold an extra amount of dipped toppings.
5. Recruit the little ones. Children can easily dip cupcakes once you prepare the toppings, making it a fun activity for the entire family.