Cupcake Toppings Cheat Sheet
July 2, 2025
My Cupcake Topper Cheat Sheet makes it easy to mix, match, and layer your favorite finishing touches on your cupcakes. Easily take the guesswork out of topping choices so every cupcake gets the perfect finish.
| Rainbow Sprinkles | Mini Candy Bars | Edible Glittery Sugar | Toasted Coconut | Fresh Fruit |
| Caramel/Chocolate | Cookies | Chocolate Chips | Crushed Pretzels | Mini Marshmallows |
Rainbow Sprinkles
My favorite rainbow sprinkles in bulk are:
Medley Hills Farm Sprinkles
For seasonal sprinkles I love:
Man Vs Cakes
Mini Candy Bars
Chop your favorite candy bars into small pieces or use fun-size bars whole for an easy, eye-catching cupcake topper!
Edible Glittery Sugar
For a touch of sparkle, edible glitter sugar makes any cupcake feel extra special. I love using Bakery Bling brand—it adds bold color and real shimmer without a gritty texture.These glittery sugars come in tons of colors and themed blends, so you can match any holiday, party, or flavor combo.
Toasted Coconut
I prefer sweetened toasted coconut, but be sure to keep an eye on it because it toasts faster! My go-to ways for toasting coconut.
On the Stovetop: Add shredded or flaked coconut to a dry skillet (no oil) in an even layer. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly with a spatula. Toast for 3–6 minutes until golden and fragrant. It can go from golden to burnt quickly, so don’t walk away! Remove from the pan immediately to cool.
In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5–10 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes to ensure even browning. When it’s golden and crisp, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit looks and tastes best the day of. Add it after frosting, close to serving time, so it doesn’t release juice or lose its shine. Use a paper towel to gently blot strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This helps them stick better and prevents them from watering down the frosting. – Strawberries: Slice into halves or quarters, depending on size. A whole berry can be too heavy unless it’s mini.
Raspberries & Blueberries: Use whole—just gently press into the frosting.
Blackberries: Look for smaller ones, or halve larger berries.
Kiwi: Peeled and sliced into quarters for a tropical twist. Press the fruit slightly into the buttercream so it stays in place.
A swirl or dollop in the center makes the perfect “bed” for fruit. Brush the fruit lightly with a bit of warm apricot jam, corn syrup, or simple syrup to give it a glossy, bakery-style glow.
Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle
A final drizzle of caramel or chocolate adds that bakery-style finish and just the right amount of indulgence. You can use any brand, but I personally love Ghirardelli sauces for their smooth texture and rich flavor.
Cookies
Crushed, halved, or mini cookies are a classic cupcake topper for a reason—they’re nostalgic, textural, and instantly recognizable. I love using mini or halved Oreos, graham cracker bits or shards, and mini Chips Ahoy for an easy finish.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips make a simple but satisfying topping that adds texture and sweetness to any cupcake. You can use white, milk, or dark chocolate, but my favorite is mini chips—they’re cute, light, and scatter perfectly over frosting without weighing it down.
Crushed Pretzels
Crushed pretzels bring a salty crunch that’s perfect for balancing sweet frostings. I love using mini twists or sticks, either lightly crushed for texture or more finely chopped if you want a subtle crunch. Use cinnamon sugar pretzels for a sweet twist. They add a hint of warmth and extra crunch that feels like a bakery treat.
Bonus tip: add the pretzels right before serving so they stay crisp!
Mini Marhsmallows
Use classic mini marshmallows for a puffy, gooey bite, or go with marshmallow bits (like the crunchy kind in hot cocoa) if you want something that holds its shape and adds a little texture. You can also toast regular mini marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch for that golden, campfire-style finish.
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