Gone Fishing Cupcakes for Fishing Parties!
These Gone Fishing Cupcakes are a whimsical and delightful treat perfect for home parties, fishing-themed parties, Father’s Day, or any fun outdoor-themed event.
Designed to look like tiny fishing ponds or lakes, these cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat.
From the playful toppers to the charming candy fish floating on blue frosting “water,” they’ll reel in smiles from kids and adults alike.
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Decorating Time | Total Time | Servings | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 18-20 mins | 20 mins | ~55 mins | 12 | Fishing/Outdoor |
Ingredients (with Alternatives)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp | — |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | — |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Coconut sugar or erythritol (low-carb) |
| Eggs | 2 large | Flax eggs (2 tbsp flax + 5 tbsp water) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Almond or coconut extract |
| Milk | ½ cup | Almond or oat milk |
| Blue buttercream frosting | As needed | Whipped cream with blue food coloring |
| Gummy fish or worms | As needed | Fruit leather cutouts or natural gummy fish |
| Pretzel sticks | 12 | Lollipop sticks or candy canes (fishing rods) |
| Twine or licorice string | Small lengths | Candy strings |
| Mini marshmallows | 12 | White fondant balls or small gumdrops |
Instruments You’ll Need
| Instrument | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin | Silicone cupcake mold |
| Cupcake liners | Grease muffin tray |
| Mixing bowls | Any large and medium bowls |
| Electric mixer | Hand whisk |
| Spatula | Wooden spoon |
| Piping bag with tip | Plastic zip bag with snipped corner |
| Toothpicks | Fork tines (for placing small decorations) |
How to Make Gone Fishing Cupcakes
Here’s how to make these adorable fishing-themed cupcakes from scratch. Even beginners can follow along and create a fun and festive batch of cupcakes perfect for themed parties.
Step 1: Mix the Cupcake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each ¾ full with the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Check with a toothpick for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re done. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 3: Prepare the Blue Frosting
To mimic the look of water, use blue buttercream. You can make this by mixing softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and blue food coloring.
For a more watery texture, add a few drops of milk. Spoon the frosting into a piping bag and swirl generously on each cupcake to create water ripples.
Step 4: Make the Fishing Rods
Break pretzel sticks in half (or use candy sticks), tie a small piece of twine or licorice string to the top, and attach a mini marshmallow at the end as a float.
Stick the pretzel rod into the cupcake to look like a fishing pole dipping into water.
Step 5: Add the Gummy Fish
Tuck a gummy fish or worm into the frosting “water” so that it appears to be swimming or caught by the rod. Use tweezers or toothpicks for precision placement.
Variations to Try (with Instructions)
Want to try new spins on these cupcakes? These fun variations give the theme a unique twist:
Fish Bowl Cupcakes
Instead of frosting, top cupcakes with clear piping gel tinted blue for a water-like shine. Place multiple fish candies inside like a mini aquarium. Chill before serving to set the gel.
Muddy Pond Cupcakes
Swap blue frosting for chocolate frosting and top with crushed cookies to mimic a muddy pond. Use gummy worms instead of fish. Fun and deliciously messy!
Campfire Cupcakes
Keep the fishing rod topper but replace frosting with toasted marshmallow cream, and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores vibe. It adds both texture and flavor.
No-Bake Fishing Cupcakes
Use store-bought cupcakes and focus on decoration only. Frost with blue canned icing and add the fishing pole, string, and candy fish. Ideal for last-minute prep!
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store undecorated cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: Decorated cupcakes can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw and decorate before serving.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frosting melts or collapses | Overmixing or warm room | Chill frosting before piping, and frost on cool cupcakes |
| Pretzel rods breaking | Too much pressure | Gently insert or use candy sticks as backup |
| Cupcakes sinking | Underbaking or opening oven early | Bake fully and avoid opening oven mid-bake |
| Gummy fish slide off | Frosting too thin | Use thicker frosting or press candy gently into frosting |
Lets Try!
These Gone Fishing Cupcakes are not just a treat—they’re a creative experience. Perfect for themed parties or as a gift for the fishing enthusiast in your life, they combine playful presentation with classic cupcake flavor.
You can customize them endlessly to match your event or taste, and they’re a great way to involve kids in baking and decorating too.
So go ahead—cast your line and catch a batch of these adorable cupcakes!
