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Mini Geode Cupcake Toppers Tutorial

May 13, 2019 · In: Decorations & Garnishes, Featured, Recipes, Tutorials

I’m really dazzled by geodes (who isn’t?!) and have been dying to make some sort of geode-inspired edible creation for quite some time now. So when JOANN sent me these rock candies in the prettiest jewel-toned colors, I considered it the perfect opportunity to bring my creative vision to life! After some experimentation, I found an easy way to whip up these tasty mini geode cupcake toppers and I couldn’t be more happy with how they turned out. Just look at these gorgeous little toppers!

UPDATE 2025: JOANN is (sadly!!) no longer in business, so I have slightly changed these product links.

geode cupcakes by Sugar & Sparrow

Are you dazzled? I am. The coolest thing is that these geodes are 100% edible and incredibly easy to make! They’re made of Wilton Candy Melts, tasty rock candy, and some pearlized sugar sprinkles to tie the look together. And did I mention that they only take about ten minutes from start to finish? It’s the perfect project for any skill level and the results are phenomenal.

geode cupcakes topper tutorial

To make these geodes in mini-form, I used some plastic paint palettes as a mold. The cavities are the perfect size for making mini cupcake toppers, but if you’re wanting larger geodes, you can use any size half-sphere mold and follow the steps below to get the same results.

how to make edible geodes for cupcakes

If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a quick video of how to create these mini geodes from start to finish:

If you love tutorial videos like this one, be sure to check out my YouTube channel! I’ve got a growing collection of cake recipes, decorating tutorials, and Cake Basics over there. Hit the subscribe button on my page so you never miss a new video.

You Will Need:

  • Plastic paint palettes
  • 12 oz. Wilton Candy Melts in Bright White
  • A small microwaveable bowl and spoon for mixing
  • Rock candy in any color
  • Sugar sprinkles in a lighter shade of the same color you’re using for rock candy
  • Wilton Pearlized Sprinkles in the gold mix (comes with both gold and white sugar sprinkles)
  • A small plate
  • Wax paper

Step 1: Melt The Candy Melts

Following the instructions on the package, melt the ¾ of the Candy Melts in the microwave until they’re uniform in consistency.

Wilton candy melts

You’ll want to reserve about ¼ of the Candy Melts for Step 5.

Step 2: Fill The Molds

Using a spoon, fill each cavity of the plastic paint palette with Candy Melts about halfway full.

candy melts in mold

Then, slowly rotate the paint palette to ensure the sides of each cavity are covered.

Step 3: Place The Rock Candies and Sugar Sprinkles

Place a few rock candies in the center of each cavity and press them in so that they stick into the Candy melts.

mini geode tutorial

Next, place a lighter color of sugar sprinkles on top of the rock candies to fill in the gaps, making sure you leave enough room for a white sprinkled edge.

geode cupcake toppers

Finally, place the white sugar sprinkles around the edge of each geode.

geode cake tutorial

You’ve now got a multi-dimensional look, just like a real geode!

Step 4: Refrigerate

Place the entire paint palette in the refrigerator so your geodes can firm up. The geodes will be firm enough for releasing from the paint palette after just five minutes in the refrigerator.

how to make geodes

When five minutes is up, gently release the geodes from the paint palette just like you would release ice cubes from an ice tray. They should be pretty sturdy and release easily from the molds.

Step 5: Create The Sprinkled Edges

Melt the additional ¼ of the Candy Melts in the microwave according to the package instructions. Pour the gold Wilton Pearlized Sprinkles onto a small plate. One by one, carefully dip the edges of each geode into the melted Candy Melts, then roll the edges in the gold sprinkles. Set the finished geodes onto wax paper and let them set up at room temperature for ten minutes before adding them to your cupcakes.

how to make geode cupcakes

And there you have it – the most stunning mini geodes for topping your cupcakes!

geodes for cupcakes by sugar and sparrow

Disclaimer: I was compensated by JOANN for my work of creating this project, styling, filming, photographing, and writing about their products. As always, all opinions are honest and my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support Sugar & Sparrow.

By: Whitney · In: Decorations & Garnishes, Featured, Recipes, Tutorials · Tagged: cake decorating, cake ideas, candy melts, cupcake decorating, diy cupcake topper, diy geodes, edible geodes, geode cupcake toppers, geode cupcakes, geode tutorial, JOANN, mini cupcakes, mini geodes, rock candy, sprinkles, wilton

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Comments

  1. Heather says

    October 24, 2024 at 5:48 pm

    They are beautiful! How far in advance could you make the toppers?

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      October 25, 2024 at 9:41 am

      Hi Heather! You can make these up to a month in advance and keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) or the refrigerator.

      Reply
  2. Jenny Janssen says

    April 11, 2021 at 8:32 pm

    My daughter is a geology major and I am SO making these for her to pass out to her fellow geology club members as well as her professors (small department so the students are on a first name basis with most professors)! These will be a hit for sure!

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      April 12, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Yes!! The perfect idea, Jenny!

      Reply
  3. MR says

    August 23, 2019 at 8:07 am

    Thanks for this tutorial…looks perfect for my geode loving little one’s birthday. How long will these keep if I make them in advance? And how should they be stored?

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 23, 2019 at 11:32 am

      Hi there! These will be perfect for your little geode lover! You can make these up to two weeks in advance and store them in an airtight container. Excited for you to try this technique!

      Reply
  4. Gill says

    August 9, 2019 at 8:29 pm

    Beautiful, but where can I get these SPRINKLES & what are they called in the UK please?
    Many thanks
    Gill

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2019 at 10:27 am

      Hi Gill! I’m not sure if Rock Candy is called something else in the UK, but the Rock Candy Sprinkles I’m using in this tutorial can be found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/31w4Hpq

      Reply

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You butter believe I made myself the Halloween cos You butter believe I made myself the Halloween costume of my dreams!! 🧈 

#diyhalloweencostume
#foodcostume #halloweencostume #handmadecostume #bakerlife
MELTED CANDLE CUPCAKES 🖤🕯give me a few cupcakes, s MELTED CANDLE CUPCAKES 🖤🕯give me a few cupcakes, some dye-free black buttercream, and black chocolate ganache and watch me transform them into the spookiest edible centerpiece! 

Full tutorial is linked in my bio + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/melting-candle-cupcakes/ but I have a condensed version below: 
 
SUPPLIES: ⁣ 
-9 cupcakes⁣  (made these with my small batch black velvet cake recipe!) 
-1 batch of dye-free black buttercream 
-boba straws or skewers (for stabilizing the taller candles) ⁣ 
-icing smoother + turntable ⁣ 
-black ganache for dripping⁣ 
-3 birthday cake candles⁣ 
-matches ⁣ to light them
⁣ 
INSTRUCTIONS: ⁣ 
1. Fill and stack the cupcakes: one stack of 2 cupcakes, one stack of 3 cupcakes, and one stack of 4 cupcakes. For the two taller cupcakes I inserted a boba straw through the middle to stabilize the stack for frosting. ⁣ 
2. Frost the stacked cupcakes with smooth buttercream and keep the top edge raw. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to let the frosting firm up. ⁣ 
3. Transfer the frosted cupcake candles  onto a small plate and pipe ganache around the edges and tops to look like melted wax. ⁣ 
4. Insert a birthday cake candle into each cake candle (keep the wick about 1/4 inch from the cake surface) and light! ⁣ 
⁣ 
#candlecake #halloweencake #cupcakes #blackvelvetcake #blackbuttercream
BISCOFF COOKIE BUTTERCREAM 🤎 this delicious frosti BISCOFF COOKIE BUTTERCREAM 🤎 this delicious frosting is flavored with Biscoff cookie butter and goes with literally ANY Fall cake recipe 🙌🏼 So far my favorite cake flavors to pair it with are pumpkin cake, banana cake, chocolate cake, coffee cake, and spice cake, but I am also testing a full-on Biscoff cake this week!! 

Full recipe + my favorite cake pairing suggestions are at https://sugarandsparrow.com/biscoff-buttercream/ 
⁣⁣ 
INGREDIENTS⁣⁣ 
1 Cups (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature⁣⁣ 
1/2 Cup (94g) Biscoff cookie butter⁣⁣ or spread
3 Cups (360g) powdered sugar⁣⁣ 
1 tsp pure vanilla extract⁣⁣ 
2 Tbsp whole milk, room temperature⁣⁣ 
1/4 tsp salt, or to taste⁣⁣ 
⁣⁣ 
INSTRUCTIONS⁣⁣ 
1. Cream the butter and Biscoff cookie butter together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or you can use a hand mixer and large bowl). Mix on medium-high until creamy and well combined, about 5 minutes, scraping down the bowl and paddle as needed.⁣⁣ 
2. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the powdered sugar a few cups at a time, scraping down the bowl and paddle after mixing in each addition. Add the vanilla, milk, and salt and continue mixing on low speed until smooth and combined, 1-2 minutes.⁣ 
⁣⁣ 
#biscoffcake #biscoff #buttercream #frosting #cakedecorating
DYE-FREE BLACK VELVET CUPCAKES 🖤 These all black c DYE-FREE BLACK VELVET CUPCAKES 🖤 These all black cupcakes use black cocoa powder (and NO food coloring!) to achieve that rich black color for the cupcakes + black buttercream. That means they won’t turn anyone’s mouth black AND they taste like Oreo cookies in deliciously moist cupcake form 👻

✨Full recipe (with dye-free black buttercream) is linked in my bio + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/black-velvet-cupcakes/ 

BLACK VELVET CUPCAKES
Yield: 14 cupcakes

1 Cup (132g) all purpose flour
3/4 Cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/3 Cup (38g) black cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 Cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 Cup (120ml) full-fat buttermilk*
1/2 Cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. Place all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl and whisk together to combine. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and whisk until combined. With the mixer still on low, add the hot coffee (or hot water) and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. The batter will be very thin. 
3. Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners (no more than ⅔ full) and bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it. Cool completely before frosting with dye-free black buttercream (full recipe linked in my bio).

*If you don’t have buttermilk on hand (I rarely do!), use 1/2 Cup whole milk mixed with 1 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice. 

#blackcupcakes #blackbuttercream #blackcocoapowder #halloweencupcakes #halloweenbaking
EASY MUMMY CUPCAKES 👀 this classic Halloween cupca EASY MUMMY CUPCAKES 👀 this classic Halloween cupcake design is so easy to make with chocolate cupcakes, googly eye sprinkles, vanilla buttercream, and one piping tip! Here’s how:

Full tutorial (with recipes for the cupcakes and buttercream!) is linked in my bio + at https://sugarandsparrow.com/mummy-cupcakes/

MUMMY CUPCAKES SUPPLIES: 
-Baked chocolate cupcakes
-Vanilla buttercream
-Googly eye sprinkles
-Piping bag
-Small flat piping tip or basket weave tip

INSTRUCTIONS: 
1. Press two googly eye sprinkles on top of the chocolate cupcake.
2. Starting on the edge of the cupcake, pipe a straight line to the opposite edge, avoiding the googly eye sprinkles. If you’re using a basket weave tip, make sure the grooved edge is face down.
3. Continue piping lines that connect the edges, overlapping the lines until the surface of the cupcake is covered (aside from the googly eyes) and the piping looks like mummy cloths.

#halloweencupcakes #halloweenbaking #chocolatecupcakes #cupcakedecorating #cupcakes

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