Our 10 Best Cupcake Recipes

Everyone loves cupcakes, and these recipes are guaranteed to be a hit anytime you serve them. From classics like chocolate and vanilla to homemade versions of store-bought favorites and cupcake versions of favorite cocktails and everything in between, we have a cupcake for every occasion!

Cupcakes are the perfect party dessert; they’re portable and individually portioned. We’ve been making and loving them for decades!

The list below features the ten recipes that have been visited over and over again, garnering thousands of five-star reviews from readers, and are time-tested favorites. They include classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, but also other creative and unique flavors that you are going to LOVE!

Before we get to the list, I’ve also rounded up all of my favorite equipment for cupcake baking so you can arm yourself with the best tools.

Favorite Cupcake Tools

Part of making fabulous cupcakes is having the right tools for the job! I’ve made hundreds upon hundreds of cupcakes and below are my recommendations for the best equipment for making delicious, beautiful cupcakes:

• Regular Cupcake Pan: USA 12-Well Muffin Pan
• Mini Cupcake Pan: USA 24-Well Mini Cupcake and Muffin Pan
• Liners: I usually stick to classic white paper liners unless I make a specifically themed cupcake.
• Piping Tips: This set of jumbo tips is perfect for big swirls on top of cupcakes.
• Piping Bags: I prefer the slightly larger 16-inch decorating bags for more piping control.
• Food Coloring: I HIGHLY recommend soft gel paste food coloring to give vibrant color without thinning the frosting.
• Cupcake Carrier: Cupcakes are meant for sharing! Transport them without fear of them tipping over with a sturdy carrier. This collapsible cupcake carrier can hold 24 cupcakes or up to a 10-inch round cake.

Now, let’s get on to this epic list! I’ve been sharing cupcake recipes since 2007, and these are the ten that have risen as the best of the best and most beloved among readers. Enjoy!

Our 10 Best Cupcake Recipes

10. Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

These are the BEST chocolate cupcakes - a moist chocolate cupcake recipe made from scratch with a chocolate ganache center and dreamy chocolate frosting.

9. Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting

These apple cupcakes are subtly spiced, full of fresh, shredded apples, and topped with a cinnamon-cream cheese frosting.

8. Margarita Cupcakes

These margarita cupcakes are simple vanilla cakes infused with lime and tequila, brushed with more tequila, and topped with a tequila lime buttercream frosting.

7. Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes

Fluffy, buttery vanilla cake batter is studded with rainbow sprinkles and baked into cupcakes. Topped with a classic vanilla buttercream frosting and more rainbow sprinkles.

6. Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Moist, luscious chocolate cupcakes, filled with a fluffy marshmallow cream frosting, topped with chocolate ganache, and garnished with the nostalgic finishing touch: white curly-cued icing.

5. The Absolute Best Vanilla Cupcakes

These moist vanilla cupcakes are an absolute delight! These light-as-air cupcakes are topped with a sweet vanilla buttercream frosting, that is not only easy to make but also easy to enjoy. Perfect for birthdays and other celebrations, you will never need another vanilla cupcake recipe again!

4. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cupcakes with clean pumpkin flavor shining through! Subtle spices round out the flavor and the cupcakes are topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting.

3. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These are the absolute BEST red velvet cupcakes! A gorgeous red color, moist and fluffy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

2. Guinness, Whisky, and Irish Cream Cupcakes

The classic cocktail shot transformed into cupcakes - Guinness chocolate cake, Jameson whiskey ganache filling, and Baileys buttercream frosting.

1. Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting

These mocha cupcakes are coffee and espresso-infused, with a subtle chocolate flavor, and topped with an espresso-spiked buttercream frosting.

For even more cupcakes, check out our entire archive of cupcake recipes.

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