Moist, fluffy, and sweet – these are some of the qualities of a delicious cupcake. But what is a cupcake?
While we may think it’s just a smaller cake, there are subtle differences. These are usually seen in the recipe ratios.
Cupcake recipes are slightly different to adjust to their small sizes. Otherwise, they would cook and dry out faster, which leads to different textures and tastes.
But without being technical, cupcakes are what they are. They are the more convenient versions of the cakes we love.
Thus, I’ve compiled some amazing recipes so you can have some fluffy cupcakes anytime.
1. Vanilla Cupcakes
Let’s start today’s recipes with a classic – a perfect vanilla cupcake recipe. These cupcakes are a fragrant pop of white goodness.
You feel them melt into your mouth because of how moist and fluffy they are. The secret? Softened butter plus buttermilk!
Besides those two, you’ll also need flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and eggs. Of course, you mustn’t forget the star: pure vanilla extract, which can be homemade!
You can experiment with nearly any kind of frosting. You can have whipped cream, white frosting, or sour cream frosting.
After all, these cupcakes are like delicious little canvases.
2. Chocolate Cupcakes
Of course, no list of easy cupcake recipes is complete without chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate is the most popular flavor worldwide, and we know why.
Chocolate lends itself to very decadent cupcakes. This recipe makes especially sure that they are enjoyably light and fluffy.
You’ll make the cupcake batter from scratch using cocoa powder, baking soda, hot coffee, and other ingredients. Preferably, you must use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Once you’ve baked and cooled your delicious cupcakes, get creative with the toppings. Go for chocolate frosting and sprinkles or choose some other flavors that you like.
3. Lemon Cupcakes
This one is for fans of bright flavors. Get a pop of citrus every time you bite into these lemon cupcakes.
You’ll hardly miss that sweet and sour goodness. The whole cupcake – base to frosting – oozes lemon flavors.
Add to that; you’ll also fill the cupcakes with lemon curd to elevate the taste profile.
You’ll need lemon zest, sour cream, whole milk, and lemon juice to make this recipe. Also, know you’ll make the lemon buttercream from scratch.
Bake the cupcakes for around 15 to 17 minutes. After which, let them cool before placing lemon curd or piping lemon buttercream.
4. Red Velvet Cupcakes
Nothing is more elegant than a gorgeous red velvet cupcake with tangy cream cheese frosting. Don’t worry, I got the recipe for this one.
I’m a fan of red velvet cakes, so I’m excited about these cupcakes. It has ingredients like red food coloring, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and more.
If you didn’t know yet, red velvet traditionally has chocolate or cocoa flavors. You can emphasize these by adding more cocoa, but that would lead to a darker red cupcake.
As for the cream cheese frosting, you’ll also make that yourself. You can use your cupcake crumbs as a garnish, too!
5. Key Lime Cupcakes
I’ve included another burst of citrus goodness to our list: key lime cupcakes. It’s a key lime pie as a cupcake – full of tartness and sweetness.
These little desserts are best for the hot summer heat. They’re refreshingly good, especially topped with swirls of cream cheese frosting.
But, these cupcakes do take a bit of effort. Since key limes are smaller than regular limes, you take more time to get enough juice.
It’s more work to make them extra pretty, too.
For instance, you can give the cream cheese frosting creative green streaks. But those need some extra steps.
6. Mini Strawberry Cupcakes
Cupcakes are mini cakes, but there are even tinier versions: mini cupcakes. These mini strawberry cupcakes make for perfect bite-sized party treats.
You’ll use strawberry jam or preserves instead of fresh strawberries. The author says doing so brings out more intense fruity flavors.
You don’t need much to make 24 mini cupcakes. Some flour, butter, sugar, vanilla, sour cream, and other ingredients.
Food coloring allows for more vibrant colors for cupcakes. You can use store-bought cream cheese frosting (for low effort).
If you want, make hearts out of strawberries. Place them on top of the frosting as decorations.
7. Banana Cupcakes
Want to try a banana cake in cupcake form? I got you! This recipe is full of flavor because of the extra ripe bananas you’ll use.
Yes, you read right – extra ripe bananas. If you have some at home you don’t know what to do with, I encourage you to try out this recipe.
We want really ripe bananas for this recipe. They lead to smoother cupcakes and sweeter flavors.
They also help you avoid food waste!
The secret to these fluffy cupcakes is the egg whites. You must gently fold them in to achieve that heavenly fluffiness.
8. Coffee Cupcakes
Are you a coffee lover? If you are, hear this out. The coffee flavor is everywhere.
Each cupcake center has a rich mocha ganache. Then, you’ll pipe a fluffy coffee buttercream on it.
To top it all off, you’ll be topping each frosting tip with a chocolate-covered espresso bean. The bean gives extra flavor and texture.
There are three elements to this dish: cupcake, ganache, and buttercream. You’ll make each of them from scratch.
Thus, you’ll need to invest time and effort to make these cupcakes. But the taste is phenomenal, making it all worth it.
9. Peanut Butter Cupcakes
If you’re in the mood to bake cupcakes and eat peanut butter, do all that using this recipe.
It’s an improved version of the author’s original. Thus, you’re sure that they’ve made an effort to perfect it.
You’re promised deliciously moist cupcakes oozing with peanut butter goodness. You wouldn’t want to miss that.
To make, you’ll need oil, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter and chopped peanuts. The final two contribute to the cupcake’s flavors.
There’s also a chocolate peanut butter frosting recipe. You can top the frosting with cute mini Reese’s peanut butter cups or chopped peanuts.
10. Carrot Cake Cupcakes
There aren’t a lot of vegetable-inspired desserts, but I got two for this list. First is the classic carrot cake but in cupcake form.
Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of carrot cake. But I got to try outstanding ones, and they’re amazing.
With that, I don’t want me or you to pass on the chance of trying great carrot cake cupcakes. When these ones are topped with cream cheese frosting, they are nothing but extraordinary.
To make, you’ll need brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, grated carrots, and other ingredients. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for more flavor and crunch.
11. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Check this out if you’re looking for some autumn-themed baking recipes. It has classic fall flavors: pumpkin, spice, cinnamon, and ginger.
You can also add maple extract to the cupcakes for more autumn goodness. Another option is to drizzle maple syrup on these tasty desserts.
It’s easy to make, and you don’t have to carve a pumpkin because you can use canned ones. The estimated baking and preparation time is less than one hour, so you have time.
The author also included a cream cheese frosting recipe. This frosting completes the package, especially the hints of cinnamon in it.
12. Neapolitan Cupcakes
I was looking for some unique recipes, and I came across this one – Neapolitan cupcakes.
Based on Neapolitan ice cream, you’ll have side-by-side flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. This recipe has got that layout down to the tee.
To achieve the look and flavors, the author made a layered cupcake. There’s a milk chocolate cupcake (bottom), vanilla cupcake (center), and strawberry frosting (top).
Thus, you can see all the Neapolitan flavors and themes when you slice it in half. It takes effort and time, but it’s worth it because you get two desserts: ice cream and cupcake in one.
13. Cheesecake Cupcakes
I love cheesecakes … a lot. But sometimes, one slice is just too rich or creamy to finish.
Thus, I’m ecstatic to find this cheesecake cupcake recipe. They’re still as delicious (and pretty) as a big cheesecake but convenient.
Another advantage to this recipe is there’s no need for a water bath, unlike most cheesecakes. Thus, you can save yourself some effort.
You’ll need the usual ingredients. Some graham crackers, butter, cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, etc.
As for garnish, you can choose your favorite berries. Before decorating, though, microwave jam or marmalade with water and brush the fruit.
14. S’mores Cupcakes
S’mores are a favorite camping treat. But you don’t need a trip to the outdoors to relive the taste and memories.
Make yourself these s’mores cupcakes. They remind you of smoky marshmallows, gooey chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers we used to love.
These cupcakes also captures the look. Each has a graham cracker frosting, Hershey’s bar, cracker, and toasted marshmallow.
You’ll need to prepare four elements. These are the graham cracker base, chocolate cupcake, frosting, and toppings.
After you’ve prepped, you can assemble your delicious, cute s’mores cupcakes. Serve this during campfires for an amazing evening snack!
14 Sweet Cupcake Recipes
Make yourself a bunch of cupcakes using these recipes.
Ingredients
Vanilla Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes
Lemon Cupcakes
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Key Lime Cupcakes
Strawberry Mini Cupcakes
Banana Cupcakes
Coffee Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Neapolitan Cupcakes
Cheesecake Cupcakes
S’mores Cupcakes
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a cupcake in 30 minutes or less!