Once upon a time, cupcakes were treats just for kids, with colorful sprinkles and bright, brassy decorations. But at long last, adults have begun to realize what they’ve been missing and cupcakes’ popularity has soared. Chic, stylish cupcakes can be found in boutique bakeries, on trendy A-list restaurant menus and even at fashionable nuptials. Here, you’ll find ideas for decorating your cupcakes with modern minimalism, elegant flourishes and colorful exuberance.

Preparing cupcakes for filling and frosting

Basic frosting techniques

Basic piping techniques

Fanciful piped designs

Decorating with glazes

Ideas for decorations and garnishes

Cupcakes, Shelly Kaldunski, 2008, Weldon Owen