Okay! Okay, okay! These cupcakes are just my favorite thing on the planet Earth right now. They are fluffy, creamy, sweet, sparkly, and all-around just in your face in the best kind of way.
Here is what is happening:
- a tender, cloud-like sponge
- a surprise center of luscious filling
- a mountain of velvety frosting
- a sprinkle of glitter because we are fancy
The combination of flavors and textures is unmatched. It is my perfect food combination: something soft, something creamy, and something fun to really make you feel alive.
1. S’mores Cupcakes
We are bringing the summer vibes indoors, you guys! These s’mores cupcakes are intensely sweet, rich, and just packed with that campfire flavor.
It starts with a simple graham cracker base (yum), followed by a baked chocolate cupcake, and finished with marshmallow frosting and chocolate sauce.
If you are missing that smoky goodness, give the tops a toast with a chef’s torch. Yes, please.
2. Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Honestly, when you make it from scratch, you really can’t beat carrot cake. It is ultra-moist and loaded with yummy extras like raisins and nuts.
And obviously, you have to include a big portion of tangy cream cheese frosting on top.
You can boost that wonderful spicy flavor by adding orange zest to the batter, and I suggest toasting the nuts to really help boost their natural taste.
3. Ultimate Snickers Cupcakes
Is there any better way to make Snickers cupcakes than by adding chopped-up candy bars to the top? It gives them this fantastic texture and plenty of flavor.
That said, between the chocolate cupcake, the caramel filling, and that velvety smooth peanut butter frosting, there is no denying the inspiration here.
4. Lemon Cupcakes
Nothing brings the sunshine to your dessert table quite like a batch of yellow lemon cupcakes.
Since there is a lot of zest involved here, you need to blitz it with sugar so the crumb doesn’t get grainy. The lucky thing is that this also helps release the oils, which makes them extra citrus-flavored.
Add a layer of lemon frosting and they will be wonderfully tart. If you want to make them lip-smacking and tart, you should definitely include a lemon curd filling, too.
5. Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Okay, hello lover. These beauties have mini chocolate chips speckled through the crumb, but the real star is that they are stuffed to the brim with cookie dough filling.
The frosting is eggless, thick, and made creamy with condensed milk. It is basically a super nostalgic treat that tastes exactly how you want it to taste. Top it all off with cookie dough frosting for the win.
6. Red Velvet Cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes will always stand out in a crowd with their bright red crumb and contrasting white frosting.
They have hints of cocoa and vanilla, and they are honestly some of the most tender cupcakes you will ever eat. Just remember to use gel food coloring to make these as vibrant as possible.
7. Tiramisu Cupcakes
Speaking of fancy desserts, tiramisu isn’t exactly known for being portable. But with this recipe, you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere!
You start with a lovely brown sugar and coffee-infused cupcake, and then you soak it with lashings of coffee syrup.
Finally, it gets topped off with a heavenly mascarpone and coffee frosting. Oh, and don’t forget that cocoa dusting.
8. Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
The perfect vanilla cupcake should be light, airy, and firm enough to hold its own under a mountain of frosting. This recipe delivers, and then some!
Butter is the key to getting that richest flavor possible, while the buttermilk guarantees the crumb stays moist.
9. Margarita Cupcakes
This is one cupcake recipe that should be reserved for the adult-only parties. It’s not the most kid-friendly thanks to all that tequila in the frosting!
Luckily for us margarita lovers, this is zesty, sweet, and perfectly boozy.
If you want to up the taste, try brushing the baked cupcakes with a syrup made using sugar, tequila, and Grand Marnier. Consider dusting a little Tajin over the top, too—that excellent spicy and lime seasoning will make these beyond scrumptious.
10. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Here is another classic summer treat in cupcake form. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you have extra fresh strawberries.
If you plan to serve these right away, feel free to use regular sweetened whipped cream. But if you need to make them ahead, the whipped vanilla buttercream holds much better.
Either way, adding the fruit sooner allows the juices to soak into the cupcake, which adds tons of sweet yumminess to every bite.
11. Super Moist Chocolate Cupcakes
In my opinion, a chocolate cupcake should be so chocolatey that you don’t even need chocolate frosting.
With this recipe, you could add anything from vanilla or coffee to salted caramel, and you will still get plenty of intense cocoa goodness.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is the key to that flavor, though it couldn’t hurt to add a dash of espresso powder, too.
12. Creme Brûlée Cupcakes
Creme brûlée has the most beautiful contrasting textures, and it is incredibly easy to make.
The luscious custard filling paired with that crunchy, almost-burnt sugar top is way too dreamy to share. You can bring that fancy dessert to any occasion with these cupcakes.
13. Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Creamsicles are bright and sweet, with satisfying orange flavors blended with plenty of creamy goodness.
One bite of this and you will be transported right back to your childhood.
I think these are best served with added orange zest in the frosting. They look extra effective with a swirl of vanilla and orange on top.
14. Key Lime Cupcakes
If you need a light and zesty treat to feed a crowd, these Key lime cupcakes should be at the top of your list.
Like Key lime pie, they are delightfully tart and loaded with lime flavor. It is in the cupcake and the frosting, so you don’t have to worry about these being bland.
Dip the edges in crushed graham crackers to serve.
15. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
If you have ever made pumpkin bread, you know that it is insanely tender and wonderfully spiced. The only thing missing (in most recipes) is frosting. That is why I love these cupcakes so much.
They are so moist and loaded with pumpkin spice deliciousness, plus they are covered in a dreamy, tangy, and lightly spiced cinnamon frosting. It does not get much better than that.
16. Peanut Butter Cupcakes
You might think a double dose of peanut butter would be cloying, but I promise the light cupcake and sweet frosting offer just the right amount of flavor.
Try adding a drizzle of chocolate to the top, or fill the cupcake with ganache to make these more like peanut butter cups.
Or maybe add some strawberry jam for an irresistible PB&J finish.
17. Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes
While the pumpkin recipe is ideal for fall, these decadent cupcakes are super festive and perfect for your next Christmas party.
The cupcakes are incredibly rich and full of cocoa and peppermint flavors. It gets boosted even more with a layer of silky ganache.
The best part has to be the crunchy candy canes sprinkled over refreshing peppermint and cream cheese frosting.
18. Ultimate Caramel Cupcakes
Although this is technically just a vanilla cupcake, it is made with brown sugar, making it golden in color and deeper in flavor.
Since you fill it with a generous helping of salted caramel, you could get away with any vanilla cupcake recipe you prefer. I also suggest using brown sugar to make the frosting.
19. Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
These cinnamon cupcakes with fluffy cream cheese frosting will be all the rage at your next party.
Snickerdoodle cookie lovers will swoop in fast, so be sure you make enough! Serve these with a piece of cookie nestled into the frosting and an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar.
20. Twix Cupcakes Recipe
Twix candy bars are as close to perfection as you can get. With a crumbly shortbread base, chewy caramel filling, and lashings of chocolate coating, they are downright addictive. They are just as delicious as a cupcake.
The chocolate cupcake is infused with Twix flavor thanks to the piece of candy baked right in the middle. Finish it with extra caramel on top and get ready to reach for seconds.
21. Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet blueberries and tart lemons pair so well together. Not only do they balance each other out perfectly, but they also look fantastic in any cake.
Toss the berries in a bit of flour to keep them from sinking in the moist lemon cupcake.
Also, be sure to use fresh blueberries. Frozen blueberries might be easy to find, but the juices will seep out and stain the crumb grey/blue.
22. Ultimate Nutella Cupcakes
Nutella has the ideal blend of hazelnut and chocolate, and I think most of us would agree the stuff is to die for.
Now, picture it stuffed in a chocolate cupcake and made into a thick and creamy frosting. Did I mention that the cupcake is also full of hazelnut liqueur?
23. Death By Chocolate Cupcakes
Wondering how these could be any more decadent than the recipe above? You will be delighted to hear they are full of chocolate layers that go way beyond just the sponge.
You use a dark chocolate cake mix and chocolate fudge pudding. That blend makes these unbelievably moist and flavorful.
But it doesn’t end there! There are also chocolate chips in the cake and super-rich chocolate and sour cream frosting.
24. Easy Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe
In my opinion, baked cheesecakes are the best of the best. Unfortunately, they are often tricky to make (I’m looking at you, water bath!) and they take quite a bit of time.
Whole cheesecakes need an hour in the oven, plus an hour to cool, plus at least 12 hours in the fridge to set correctly.
So, let’s just skip all that drama and make these delightful cheesecake cupcakes instead! They are freezer-friendly, easy to modify, and ready in under 2 hours (including cooling).
25. Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes
Like lemon and blueberry, lemon and raspberry is a classic and super popular pairing.
When they are fresh and ripe, raspberries are exceedingly sweet with just a hint of tartness, and you really can’t beat that terrific vibrant color.
26. Brown Butter Peach Cupcakes
Remember that brown butter frosting from above? When I said it is worth the extra time, I was serious!
You won’t believe how this one ingredient changes the flavor profile of this cupcake. It is nutty, sort of tastes toasted, and those tiny brown flecks give this amazing character.
All that combined with sweet peaches makes these a little more grown-up than your average cupcake recipe.
27. Cherry Cupcakes
Since these cupcakes use maraschino cherries, they don’t have a strong cherry flavor.
For those who love these bright and chewy treats, this cupcake recipe is super colorful and full of yummy, sweet elements. The pink color is optional, but I think it makes them extra special.
28. Banana Split Cupcakes
Who doesn’t love banana splits? This frosty treat is loaded with ice cream, sweet bananas, chocolate sauce, and plenty of whipped cream.
Unfortunately, it also melts like crazy! So, why not make them summer-proof and serve these banana split cupcakes instead?
29. Baileys & Coffee Cupcakes
There is nothing better after a long cold day than a creamy coffee loaded with boozy Baileys Irish Cream.
These are almost like the tiramisu recipe above, only you use Baileys in the cake and frosting. You also add coffee into the mix rather than soaking the cake in syrup.
30. Coconut Cupcakes
It can be a challenge to get enough coconut flavor into a cake because of its mild and delicate flavor. Luckily, this recipe pulls it off using coconut milk and shredded coconut in the cake and frosting.
You need to use unsweetened coconut for this, otherwise, it will be too much sugar. Also, try toasting the coconut before adding it to the top.
Add some mango or pineapple to the middle for a tropical kick.
31. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Browned Butter Buttercream
Gingerbread is known to be deep, dark, and just sweet enough to curb any cravings. These cupcakes are just that, using molasses, brown sugar, and plenty of spice.
What is extra special, though, is the brown butter and cinnamon frosting. Brown butter needs a little more time, but it is more than worth it!
The nutty taste of the butter pushes these over the edge, and I guarantee you will spend all night giving out the recipe.
32. Divine Tres Leches Cupcakes
As the name suggests, you use three different kinds of milk to make these insanely luscious and creamy cupcakes.
Once the vanilla cupcakes are baked and cooled, poke holes all over, then pour a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream over the top.
This will soak into the cake, leaving them moist, sweet, and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
33. Easy Champagne Cupcakes
Are you on the hunt for the perfect New Year’s Eve cupcake? Look no further! These champagne cupcakes are just what you need.
It is as easy as using champagne (or your favorite sparkling wine) in place of water when making boxed vanilla cake mix.
There is also champagne in the frosting, and they wouldn’t be complete without some edible gold stars to decorate with.
34. Piña Colada Cupcakes
Piña colada cocktails infuse sweet coconut rum with pineapple. They are creamy, cold, and best served on a beach somewhere.
But when that craving hits and there are no waves in sight, these cupcakes are the next best thing.
You’ll find pineapple juice and crushed pineapples in the cake, which keeps things moist and flavorful.
35. Toffee Crunch Cupcake with Caramel Frosting
Unlike caramel, which is usually just sweet, toffee should be intensely flavorful and beautifully crunchy.
It is usually cooked for a bit longer, adding even more toffee taste and a texture you will just love.
Between the chocolate-covered toffee bits in the crumb and a light and creamy caramel frosting, this is another recipe you won’t want to share.
If you don’t have the time, the chocolate dip is optional, and you could always just drizzle some over the top instead. But the extra toffee on top is a must!
36. Ultimate Marble Cupcakes
Marble cake is for those of us who have a hard time choosing between chocolate and vanilla.
Instead, you get the best of both worlds, with the two flavors coming together to make one yummy and fun cupcake.
It is even better with a chocolate and vanilla swirl of frosting on top.
37. Birthday Cake Cupcakes
Birthday cake (aka Funfetti) cupcakes are every kid’s dream! They are so colorful and fun, and since they are vanilla, you know that everyone will love them.
Be sure to grab rainbow jimmies for this as they hold their shape and color better, and remember to only add them right at the end.
If you add the sprinkles and let the batter sit, the color will start to bleed.
