Piano Recital Cupcakes

When I was asked to make a treat for my daughters’ piano recital reception I knew I wanted to make something really special for all of the kids participating.  These kids have worked so hard that they deserved a sweet treat.  Here’s my tips on how I created simple piano recital cupcakes.

I wanted to garnish the cupcakes in some type of chocolate decoration.  Using chocolate molds for sweets decor can be tricky.  For one, if the chocolate decoration is too small it lays flat on the cupcake and there is not much visual appeal.  If the chocolate decoration is too large than you must push it down in the cupcake so much for it to stand up that you lose part of the image in the frosting.

However, I came up with a perfect solution.  You should use the larger sized chocolate mold…but in a sucker form.  Use a smaller stick than you normally would.  For cupcake decorations I use a 4 inch stick.  Two inches of the stick goes into the sucker and two inches is left out.  I have found two inches to be a good length to leave for placement in the cupcake.  Above is a picture of the suckers with stick placement before the mold is finished being filled.

Wilton chocolate melts in black were used for the treble clefs.

I have to admit I totally cheated on the cupcakes.  I ordered the cupcakes from Sam’s Club Bakery.  My daughters love their butter cream frosting!  I ordered the cupcakes in bright colors to contrast against the black treble clef chocolates.  I had the bakery use black and white jimmies on the cupcakes to mimic piano keys.

The cupcake topper suckers were pushed down into each cupcake.  The chocolates sit firmly upright.  None of the frosting covers the chocolate image.  To transport I gently placed the lid back on box without pushing it all the way down.

The cupcakes were a huge hit at the reception!  Enjoy!