Are you a beginner baker looking to whip up some delicious treats? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 easy cupcake recipes that are perfect for beginners. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or prefer something a little more adventurous like lemon or pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
From moist and flavorful cake bases to creative frosting combinations and decorative toppings, these cupcakes are sure to impress your friends and family. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly easy to make!
Stay tuned for our first recipe, which is a classic favorite that’s sure to please: Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create these tender and delicious treats in no time.
Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes
Treat your taste buds to a classic combination of moist vanilla cake and rich buttercream frosting in these scrumptious cupcakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– Buttercream frosting ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
These rich and moist cupcakes are filled with a gooey chocolate fudge center, making them the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these indulgent treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Fudge filling ingredients: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling with fudge filling (melt chocolate chips in microwave, whisk in heavy cream).
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes are infused with the citrusy goodness of lemon, topped with a tangy drizzle that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with lemon juice, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Drizzle:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These moist and decadent red velvet cupcakes are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Beat until combined and fluffy.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
These sweet treats capture the essence of a classic strawberry shortcake, with moist vanilla cupcakes topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for springtime celebrations or a quick dessert fix!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Funfetti Cupcakes
Celebrate with a sweet treat! These Funfetti Cupcakes are a classic party favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup Funfetti sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and Funfetti sprinkles.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Rich, mocha-flavored cupcakes filled with a creamy peanut butter surprise and topped with a velvety chocolate ganache.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
– Chocolate ganache (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Let cool and drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
These moist and aromatic cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake recipe. With a perfect balance of spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with grated carrots and vanilla extract.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Nut Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of chopped nuts, perfect for a snack or dessert. With their unique flavor profile and tender texture, these banana nut cupcakes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Coconut Lime Cupcakes
Brighten up your day with these refreshing Coconut Lime Cupcakes! Moist vanilla cake infused with the tropical flavors of coconut and lime, topped with a zesty buttercream frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Buttercream frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and lime juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Combine ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth. Top cupcakes with frosting and garnish with toasted coconut flakes or lime zest.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Celebrate the fall season with these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes, perfect for a Halloween party or Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the brightness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, perfect for a springtime treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in lemon juice and blueberries.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
Get ready to indulge your taste buds with these scrumptious Cookies and Cream Cupcakes! Moist vanilla cake filled with a swirl of creamy cookies and cream buttercream, topped with a crunchy cookie crumble.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Cookies and cream buttercream frosting (recipe below)
– Cookie crumble topping (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cookies and Cream Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
Cookie Crumble Topping:
– 1/2 cup crushed Oreo cookies
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of caramelized apples, perfect for a fall treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and Greek yogurt; mix until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apple and cinnamon.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
These cupcakes combine the cooling freshness of mint with the richness of chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With their moist texture and vibrant green color, they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in peppermint extract. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips and fold into batter.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Raspberry Almond Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the sweetness of raspberries with the nutty goodness of almonds, perfect for a special occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons almond extract
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in almond extract and raspberries.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the richness of caramel with a touch of salt, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Stir in caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Oreo Stuffed Cupcakes
These moist chocolate cupcakes get an extra layer of flavor with a surprise Oreo center, making them a unique and indulgent treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 12-15 Oreos, crushed
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed Oreos.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for delicious and easy cupcake recipes perfect for beginners? Look no further! This article features 18 mouth-watering cupcake recipes that are simple to make and sure to please. From classic vanilla and chocolate flavors to creative combinations like strawberry shortcake and pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone. With a range of frostings and toppings, you can customize your cupcakes to fit any occasion or theme. Perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels, these easy cupcake recipes are sure to become a new favorite treat.
