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!

Three cupcakes with an text box on top that says the top 10 most popular cupcake recipes.

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:

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.

Chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting and rainbow-colored non pareils sprinkled on top.

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.

Apple cupcake with a green liner and swirls of cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top.

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.

Margarita cupcake on brown parchment paper with a lime wedge and lime zest on top.

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.

Funfetti cupcake with wrapper removed and bite taken out.

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.

Chocolate cupcake with liner partially removed and white swirls iced across the top.

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!

Vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and white non pareils sprinkled on top.

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.

Pumpkin cupcakes topped with swirls of cream cheese frosting on a white serving plate.

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.

Red velvet cupcake with liner partially removed, cream cheese icing on top with red and pink heart sprinkles.

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.

Guinness cupcakes with whiskey ganache filling and Irish cream frosting on brown parchment paper and green sprinkles on top.

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.

Mocha cupcakes with espresso frosting in dark paper liners on a white serving plate.

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


Do you have a favorite cupcake recipe that wasn’t mentioned here? Share below!

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