One of the questions I get asked the most is:
“What kind of nozzle do you use to get that soft-serve-style swirl on your cupcakes?”
Whether I’m piping Marshmallow Fluff, Strawberry Meringue, or especially my silky chocolate ganache, I always reach for one of these three nozzles. These are not your standard piping tips—they are large, even extra-large, and I absolutely love using them to achieve that perfect, soft-serve look.
Here are my top three favorites:
Exxent 18 mm Star Tip – A large open star nozzle that creates soft, round swirls—just like soft-serve ice cream. I especially love using this one when piping Marshmallow Fluff—the texture is light, smooth, and fluffy.
Ateco 849 – This nozzle is nearly identical to the Exxent 18 mm. It gives the same beautiful, full swirl—the only difference is the brand. If you have either one, the result will be the same.
Ateco 869 (French Star Tip, Size 9) – This tip has fine, closely spaced teeth that create deep, clean ridges in your swirls. I often use this one when I want more texture and definition, especially with Marshmallow Fluff, Strawberry Meringue, or silky chocolate ganache. It gives a swirl that still feels soft but with an elegant, professional finish.
And finally—when it comes to piping roses on cupcakes, my go-to nozzles are:
Wilton 1M and Wilton 1B – These are medium-sized nozzles that I use especially when piping my silky chocolate ganache into a classic rose swirl. As you can see in the photo above, the finish is smooth, rich, and beautifully defined—like delicate petals created with just a single swirl.
So whether you’re going for a soft-serve swirl or a stunning ganache rose, these nozzles are the tools I rely on the most in my kitchen.
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