How to Make DIY Sprinkled Chocolate Numbers Topper for Birthday Cake (No Mold!)

Birthdays are filled with joy, whether it's a room packed with laughter, the melodious chorus of "Happy Birthday," blowing out candles, or savoring that first slice of cake. But let's face it—once you reach a certain age, putting candles for every year on the cake becomes less practical (and who has room for a bonfire on a cake?). Enter chocolate toppers, the whimsical alternative that doesn't just add flair but keeps things fun. You might think they're hard to master, but with our simple method, you'll create custom chocolate decorations in under an hour—no fancy molds required!

What Are Sprinkled Chocolate Toppers?

Chocolate toppers are edible decorations that can take just about any form—whether it's numbers, words, or intricate shapes, these confections have become a staple for personalizing cakes. They’re perfect for that "Wow!" factor without overcomplicating things. Toppers have their roots in cake decoration techniques that date back centuries, but the modern, sprinkled chocolate versions have their charm. With just a little bit of melted chocolate and some creativity, these toppers can transform a simple cake into a memorable centerpiece. And the best part? They're entirely customizable, meaning you can craft numbers that won't have anyone counting candles—or jokes about reaching "that age."

How to Make Chocolate Toppers

You’ll start by drawing the numbers or shapes you want on parchment paper. Alternatively, print them out and trace them under another sheet of parchment—think of this as your cheat sheet! Then, melt 200 grams of white chocolate either in a double boiler or with short bursts in the microwave (just don't let it burn; nobody wants crispy chocolate). Transfer that glossy, molten goodness into a piping bag and get ready for the fun part.

Trace your shapes with the melted chocolate, add some sticks (for that lollipop-esque vibe), and before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the surface generously with colored sprinkles. The sprinkles add a pop of color and texture, making your toppers look festive and, dare we say, professional. Once the first side has cooled and hardened, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side. Voilà! You’ve just created beautiful, edible decorations that are ready to top your cake.

How Long Do They Keep and Can They Be Frozen?

The good news is that they keep well—about two weeks, if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they’re kept away from heat (unless you’re aiming for a chocolate puddle). If you’re a planner and want to make them in advance, go ahead! You can prepare your toppers up to a week before the big day. And yes, you can freeze them, though it's not ideal because chocolate can develop that dreaded white "bloom" when exposed to temperature changes. Still, in a pinch, they’ll be fine for about a month in the freezer—just thaw them at room temperature to avoid condensation ruining your hard work.

If white chocolate isn’t your thing (or you’re catering to a crowd with a serious sweet tooth), you can easily switch it up. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even colorful candy melts work just as well. And as for the sprinkles? The sky's the limit! You can use anything from edible glitter to mini candy decorations, depending on the vibe of your party.

Are Chocolate Toppers Only for Numbers?

Absolutely not! While numbers are a popular choice (who doesn’t love personalized cake decorations?), this method is perfect for crafting a variety of shapes. Want to make a unicorn for a little one's birthday? Or how about spelling out a name or a cute "Happy Birthday" message in chocolate? The technique remains the same. With a bit of creativity, you can experiment with shapes ranging from hearts and stars to animals and flowers—whatever suits the occasion.