How To Get Sprinkles To Stick To Dry Icing: Resolved (2023)

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Lori Walker

There’s nothing quite like the pop of color and fun that sprinkles add to a baked good. But getting those sprinkles to stick to dry icing can be a bit of a challenge.

We’ll show you a few simple tricks on how to get sprinkles to stick to dry icing, so you can add a touch of whimsy to your baked creations without any hassle.

Table of Contents

How Can You Get Sprinkles To Stick To Dry Icing?

The key to getting sprinkles to stick to dry icing is to heat the icing a bit before adding the sprinkles. This can be done by microwaving the icing in 10-second intervals and stirring it in between intervals until it is slightly melted and tacky.

Once the icing is melted and tacky, sprinkle the desired amount of sprinkles onto the icing and press them down gently to make sure they stick.

If a more permanent bond is desired, use a brush to apply a thin layer of melted white chocolate or corn syrup to the back of the sprinkles before applying them to the icing.

“I love cake, confetti cake, to be specific. It has little colored candies inside the cake, and then you get the confetti icing, which is hard to find sometimes. It’s hard to explain to people, because it’s not icing with sprinkles on top. It’s icing that actually has candies inside of it. It’s Funfetti icing.”
– Channing Tatum, Actor

Another method that we tried for getting sprinkles to stick to dry icing is to create a “glue” out of a mixture of corn syrup and water. Mix equal parts of corn syrup and water in a small bowl, then use a brush to apply the mixture to the back of the sprinkles.

The corn syrup mixture is great for getting sprinkles to stick, as the sugar content in the corn syrup helps the sprinkles bond to the dry icing.

Once the corn syrup [1] mixture has been applied to the back of the sprinkles, they can be applied to the icing and will stay put. But how can you prevent sprinkles from bleeding?

How To Get Sprinkles To Stick To Cake

To get sprinkles to stick to a cake, start by preparing the cake and allowing it to cool before decorating. Once it’s cool, spread a thin layer of melted white chocolate or frosting over the cake.

Then add the sprinkles while the melted chocolate or frosting is still wet, and gently press the sprinkles into the surface of the cake. Allow the melted chocolate or frosting to dry and set before serving the cake.

Find out how you can fix messed-up icing on the cake here.

How To Put Sprinkles On Cookies After Baking

Once your cookies have finished baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes before handling them. Then, take a few sprinkles and gently press them into the cookies’ tops.

If desired, you can drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate over the cookies before adding the sprinkles to give them a bit of extra sweetness.

Once the sprinkles have been added, allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Read: 4 Simple Ways To Quickly Thaw Cool Whip

How To Make Sprinkles Stick To Chocolate

To make sprinkles stick to the chocolate, start by stirring it in a double boiler and stirring until it is melted and smooth.

Then, dip the desired item in the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle the desired amount of sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate.

Finally, set the item aside to cool and let the melted chocolate and sprinkles harden. Once cooled and hardened, the sprinkles should be firmly attached to the chocolate.

How To Get Sprinkles To Stick To Buttercream

To get sprinkles to stick to the buttercream [2], start by preparing your buttercream and applying it evenly to the cake. Next, take a spoonful of sprinkles and hold it in your hand over the cake.

Gently tap your hand to release the sprinkles onto the buttercream, and use a cake comb or spatula to press them lightly into the buttercream to make sure they stick.

If needed, add a buttercream drop to the back of the sprinkle to help it adhere. Repeat the process until the cake is covered with the desired sprinkles.

But what are some frosting that goes well with Funfetti cake?

Tips & Tricks On How To Get Sprinkles Stick To Dry Icing

Use stiffer icing. A stiffer icing will hold the sprinkles better than softer icing.
Use a thick layer of icing. Apply a thick layer of icing to the cake or cupcake so the sprinkles can stick better.
Use an egg wash. Beat an egg and mix it with a little water. Then brush the egg and wash over the icing before sprinkling the sprinkles. The egg wash will help the sprinkles adhere to the icing.
Use a piping bag. Fill a piping bag with icing and pipe it over the cake or cupcake before sprinkling the sprinkles. This will give you a thicker layer of icing to which the sprinkles can adhere.
Use a glaze. Prepare a simple glaze using powdered sugar and water. Brush the glaze over the icing before sprinkling the sprinkles. The glaze will help the sprinkles adhere to the icing.
Use a spray bottle. Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the cake or cupcake before sprinkling the sprinkles. The water will help the sprinkles stick to the icing better.

Also Read: How Long Will Betty Crocker Cookie Icing Stay Fresh?

FAQs

Will sprinkles stick to store-bought cupcakes?

Yes, sprinkles will stick to store-bought cupcakes. You may need to lightly moisten the surface of the cupcake to help the sprinkles adhere.

How do I keep my sprinkles from sinking?

Mixing sprinkles into the batter or icing before baking or frosting the cake is the best way to keep sprinkles from sinking.

If you use pre-made icing, add a small amount of cornstarch to the sprinkles before sprinkling them on top. This will help them stick to the surface of the cake and prevent them from sinking.

Can sprinkles stick to cookies without icing?

Yes, sprinkles can stick to cookies without icing. The cookie’s surface must be slightly moistened with water or butter so the sprinkles will adhere.

Final Thoughts

The key to getting sprinkles to stick to dry icing is to use an edible adhesive such as corn syrup, melted candy melts, or melted chocolate.

This will help the sprinkles to adhere to the icing, creating a colorful and creative decoration.

You will get the sprinkles to stick perfectly every time with some practice.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/corn-syrup
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/174347/quick-and-almost-professional-buttercream-icing/

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].