69 Easy Cupcake Recipes to Make From Scratch
We've got vanilla. We've got chocolate. We've got, well, pretty much every flavor you're looking for.
There's no denying that cupcakes are just a feel-good treat. That's why they make the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, and, well, just because. And sure, you can run to the store or your local bakery and pick up a bunch, but why spend the money when you can bake cupcakes right in your home. Chances are they will taste better and you'll be creating instant memories (especially if the kids are lending you a helping hand).
Below, you'll find cupcake recipes for classic flavors like creamy vanilla and decadent chocolate, but we've included strawberry shortcake, zesty lemon, and pumpkin spice as well. You'll also see inspiration for Christmas cupcakes, Easter cupcakes, Valentine's Day cupcakes — you name it.
So before you head out to buy anything premade, take a peek at these cute and easy cupcake recipes that can be made in a pinch. Not only will you have an amazing tasting dessert, but you'll definitely impress your family and friends when you tell them the cupcakes are homemade.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Nothing beats a classic, but perhaps the best thing about these vanilla cupcakes is that you can be as inventive with the decorations as you want. Candy, sprinkles, frosting—anything goes!
RELATED: 18 Crazy-Creative Cupcake Ideas
S'more Cupcakes
There's no getting around the fact that these cupcakes take a little leg work, but one bite will prove they're worth it, with a graham cracker and chocolate crust layered with a chocolate cake and finished with fluffy marshmallow topping.
Almond Joy Cupcakes
A beloved candy bar reimagined in cupcake form—you might want to make a double batch.
Hummingbird Cupcake
Jazz up this southern speciality with pineapple and blueberry flowers.
Lemon Butterfly Cakes
Famed for her cake pops, Bakerella (a.k.a. Angie Dudley) whipped up these cheery cupcakes as a special treat for Woman's Day. They're full of lemony flavor and only require simple baking and kitchen tools.
Boston Cream Cupcakes
This miniature version of the classic custard pie leaves nothing out, with rich vanilla pudding, buttermilk and a semisweet chocolate glaze.
Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-White Chocolate Frosting
The great thing about coconut is its versatility; it feels refreshing in warm weather and comforting in cold. This recipe makes the most of it, featuring a triple whammy of coconut in the batter—flakes, extract and milk—and a coconut cream cheese frosting.
"Corn-on-the-Cobcakes" with Brown Butter Cream Frosting
If you're not a jelly bean enthusiast, don't be deterred—these cupcakes are every bit as delightful without them, featuring a unique cornmeal batter and heavenly brown butter frosting.
Rose Petal Cupcakes
The only thing better than fresh roses are roses you can eat—or at least the petals! Frosting aficionados, this is the recipe for you.
Chocolate Lovebugs
These adorable cupcakes are sure to warm your sweetie's heart and stomach!
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcakes
The ultimate recipe for PB-and-chocolate fans, these moist, chocolatey cupcakes come complete with a sweet peanut butter filling and a silky slathering of chocolate–sour cream frosting.
Polar Bear Cupcakes
These cuties are as fun to make as a gingerbread house, but much tastier.
Brownie Cupcakes
This recipe jazzes up your basic brownie with a decadent cream cheese topping, fresh raspberries and a fun new shape.
Carrot Cupcakes with Honey Cream Cheese
These cute cupcakes are the perfect ending to a springtime dinner.
Lemon-Honey Cupcakes
Guests will be buzzing about these fluffy cupcakes, which have grated lemon zest, lemon juice and honey not only in the batter, but in the luscious frosting as well. Add a little sparkle by finishing them with a sprinkling of sanding sugar or a candy bee.
Strawberry Short Cupcakes
Transform this classic treat with a homemade cupcake that's filled with an irresistible combination of whipped cream, strawberry jam, orange zest and strawberries.
Morphos Butterflies Cupcakes
These cupcakes may look too good to eat, but we assure you they'll fly off of the table. The candy details are just as delicious as the cupcakes themselves.
Grassy Lemon Cupcakes with Bees and Flowers
These cupcakes will have your guests buzzing!
Apple Cupcakes
Your eyes aren't fooling you. Inspired by Red Delicious apples, these adorable fall treats are really cupcakes.
Chocolate Sweetheart Cupcakes
These cupcakes, smothered in decadent ganache, will have everyone feeling the love.
Larry Stansbury is a writer whose work has appeared in POPSUGAR, Sports Illustrated, Her Campus, Distractify and more. He covers a wide range of topics, including entertainment, lifestyle and sports. Larry graduated with a B.A. in writing and rhetoric from Syracuse University in 2018. When he’s not writing, he is either working out, eating carbs or dancing to the next Little Mix song.
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