Agriculture 4-H

Cupcake Decorating

County only – No State Fair Entry)

For judging / check-in information, see schedule in this book.

Manuals available!

** Fair Entry – You MUST register your 4-H project in Fair Entry if you plan to exhibit at the 4-H Fair. See page 21! **

Judges will not alter or take display apart for judging.
Cupcakes will be judged on creativity, decoration, technique mastery, construction & appearance according to guidelines for each level.
All ingredients in Beginner and Intermediate level must be edible, including decoration.
Artificial items may be used in Advanced level for building and stacking 3D or layered displays (i.e. dowel rods or straws).
Cupcakes must be baked cakes. NO artificial foam, wood or dummy blocks will be accepted.
All levels will display cupcakes on a covered solid form – choice examples may include wood, foam, or cardboard, etc.
All levels are required to complete a Cupcake Decorating Record Sheet and have it signed by a 4-H Leader.
All displays will include an attached card in bottom right corner stating:

BEGINNER (Grades: 3 - 5) - “Showing Technique”

Bake six (6) round standard size cupcakes in a paper liner of exhibitor’s choice.
Ice smooth, and decorate using various tips (star, dot, lines, etc.). Decorations should be made from buttercream icing only.
All six (6) cupcakes should look the same to show a specific technique and match the chosen theme.
Include recipes for cupcakes and icing on an index card. (i.e. box mix, eggs, oil, etc. and shortening, powdered sugar, etc.)
Display should be a single layer. NOT 3D or stacked and on a base no bigger than 12” x 12”.
No artificial or added sprinkles, candies, or cookies may be used in beginner level.
Cupcakes should be ready for judging when arriving for check-in.

INTERMEDIATE (Grades: 6 - 8) - “Expanding Technique”

Bake twelve to eighteen (12-18) standard size round or square cupcakes in paper or foil liners.
Use buttercream or royal icing for decorations, can also add sprinkles, candies and cookies (edible items only).
Cupcakes should be displayed in a single layer to match chosen theme.
Cupcakes may be decorated individually or as a group if the theme is carried out in your display.
Display on non-flexible covered base that is not bigger than 24” x 24”.

Include recipes for cupcakes, icing and decorations, on an index card. (i.e. box mix, eggs, oil, etc. and shortening, powdered sugar, etc.)

ADVANCED Grades: 9 - 12 - “Creative Technique”

Bake eighteen (18) or more cupcakes. Any shape or size (example: square, round, oval, mini) can be with or without cupcake liner.
Additional decorations may include: fondant, sugar molds, candies, cookies, crackers, chocolates, etc. just make sure they are firmly attached and they incorporate with theme.
Artificial items may be used for building 3D or stacked displays such as: dowel rods or straws.
Display can be stacked to create desired theme/design.
Display cupcakes on a non-flexible covered board not exceeding 30” x 30” in size. Wood, foam, or layered card board may be used.
Display should arrive assembled and ready for judging at check-in.
Advanced displays should include a written or typed page explaining:

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