Christmas Tree Cupcakes

I saw this cute cake on the cover of a magazine while standing in line at Sprouts (they don't have People or Cosmo so I was forced to look at food instead of the trashy gossip that I love.)  It was a beautiful Chocolate Ganache cake with White Chocolate Christmas Trees on top.  I really wanted to try that for the Bad Sweater Party but realized cupcakes might be a little easier for that night.  This was my first attempt with white chocolate so I was not sure what to expect.  I really liked the result and can't wait to try it again, bigger and better, on a cake!

You will need:

• Frosted Cupcakes
• A pastry bag (or Ziploc baggie)
• Parchment Paper
• White chocolate chips

First, I melted the White Chocolate Chips in the microwave (great news, instructions are on the back of the bag) for about 30 seconds.  When they were almost completely melted I added in a little green food coloring.

I then transferred the melted Chocolate into a disposable pastry bag.  You can also just use a Ziploc baggie with the corner cut out.  (I would not squeeze too hard on that though, I have had a few "baggie blow-outs")

Then, start making trees on your parchment paper.  I tried a few different ways not knowing which would hold up the best.  You can also draw out your design on a piece of paper and place that under your parchment. 

I made a lot more than I needed on purpose.  I wanted to allot for the "breakage" factor.

So, while those are drying you can work on your cupcakes.  I made a batch of chocolate cupcakes but you can buy pre-made, pre-frosted cupcakes if you would like, the choice is yours!  I then frosted with white icing and didn't really smooth it out, I was going for a "snow" look.

I topped the frosting with white sprinkles for more "snow."

When the trees are dry, carefully peel them off and stick them into your cupcake.  I apparently made my trees pretty thin and the first few broke when I tried this step. 

 

No worries, take a small knife and make a little slit in the top for your tree to fit in to.

Terrible picture but this was my favorite.

  

Overall I was really excited that this worked and I can't wait to try it again. 

Enjoy!