Sharing my ideas on Creating A Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar.

I recently visited a bakery that gave you options when choosing a cupcake.  You could pick a cupcake bottom, a filling, frosting, and toppings.  My first thought was that my grandchildren would love to do this.  My next thought was on creating a build it yourself cupcake bar for them.

The first time that I did this, I invited the neighborhood children over after school. I loved their reactions to doing this.

How To Create A Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar

• Start by setting up a table that can allow you to have the different stations.
• The stations are cupcake bottoms, fillings, frostings, and toppings.

Decorate with whatever theme you chose. The 2 that I did were just summer time fun, but I can see that I will do this for Halloween and Christmas.

One of my grandsons wants to do this for his birthday party.

CUPCAKE BOTTOMS

• This is the beginning.  Bake as many varieties of cake as you will need.  For the big bar that I did at a cook-out, I had
  yellow , white, Funfetti, lemon cake, and brownies.
  My grandchildren loved the brownies!   I did a second
  one that was much smaller and only did 2 kinds of cake and the brownies.

After experimenting with different ways of baking the cake, I like baking the cake in a large sheet cake pan.  Then I use a 2 1/2- 3 inch round cutter to cut out the  individual cakes.

To save time at the cake station, I place the cakes in small cups.  You can use a fancy one or even a clear plastic tumbler.

FILLINGS

Next station is for fillings.  I served lemon curd, vanilla and chocolate pudding,  homemade raspberry sauce, and pie fillings.  Ice cream would also be a good choice.  The guests just top their cakes with a filling, or 2.

FROSTINGS

My frosting station included buttercream, raspberry buttercream, chocolate, and coconut pecan.  They can add a scoop of this to their cakes.

TOPPINGS  

The final stop was all of the kid’s favorite one.  My little NC grandchildren were headed home the next day and asked me if they could take the leftover toppings.  My toppings included fresh fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

There were nuts, small cookies, and a variety of mini candies.  Sprinkles are a must! I also had caramel and chocolate ice cream topping and a can of whipped cream.

I did a second one at a cook-out at my daughter’s lake. It was also a big hit with the children and the adults.

The wrestling team from a local college was there and those young men loved it!

My grand-daughters were helping me set it up, and were
having a sample to be the taste testers.

 

I packed all of my foods in disposable containers with lids. The bar did not look as pretty since we had to keep the foods covered but it was still enjoyed.

Another one that I did was a much smaller one.  I set it up in my driveway at a family get together.

Why You Will Love Creating A Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar

• It is so much fun and everyone enjoys creating an individual treat with items that they like.
• Children loved showing their creative ideas.
• It is easier on the hostess by just setting up the stations and letting the guests do the work.

Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

• Find ways to designate the specific stations using cut out letters or little signs.
• Buy individual serving containers, plastic spoons and napkins to go with the theme you are creating. Plastic glasses from the Dollar Tree work very well.
• I like baking the cakes in a large sheet cake pan.  Then I use a 2 1/2- 3 inch round cutter to cut out the  individual cakes. Bake as many cakes as you desire. It can be 1-4 if you have time.
• Use colorful toppings, kids love these.

How can I prepare this ahead of time? 
The sheet cakes can be baked ahead of time, wrapped tightly with Cling Wrap & foil, or placed in airtight containers and frozen up to 2 months.

To save more time you could cut out the cupcake bottoms, set them on parchment paper in airtight containers and freeze up to 2 months.  Thaw the cakes the day before the party.

Prepare any of the toppings and place in airtight containers a day in advance.

Here are some random creations the children came up with. 

Maybe you like a little brownie with your chocolate syrup and candy corn??

 

The kids had such creative cupcakes.

The possibilities are endless.  Give this cupcake bar idea and see how much fun it really is.

Another great cupcake idea for kids are my reto-
“Cookout Cupcakes”

This post was shared on Week-end Potluck @ https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/