How to Make Cupcakes: Easy Recipes

Welcome to a world of seducing treats where we explore the best cupcake recipes that bring delight to every occasion! In today’s article, we’ll guide you through creating these desserts in a range of exquisite flavours, including an effortless cupcake recipe for kids and delicious vegan options. From timeless classics to creative twists, each recipe aims to spark inspiration in the kitchen. Let’s begin!

The history of cupcakes

The concept of small cakes, later known as cupcakes, emerged in the United States. Amelia Simmons introduced the early idea of baking these miniature treats in her famous 1796 work, American Cookery. However, the term 'cupcake' wasn’t coined until 1828, when Eliza Leslie published her cookbook Receipts, featuring the first recipe for these delectable desserts. After gaining recognition, these small cakes quickly became a beloved treat for both home bakers and professionals. Nowadays, they are enjoyed by kids and adults all over the globe.

Basic cupcakes recipe

This simple recipe yields moist, soft, and fluffy cupcakes that pair effortlessly with a variety of flavours, offering endless possibilities for customisation. It’s perfect for preparing an assortment to suit any occasion, leaving everyone wanting more!

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C and arranging liners in the cupcake tray.
2. Utilising the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until it is fluffy.
3. Gradually blend the sugar into the whipped butter, continuing to whisk until the mixture appears pale.
4. Incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended before introducing the subsequent one.
5. Mix in the milk, flour, and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
6. Depending on your chosen flavour, incorporate any additional ingredients.
7. Measure out 4 tablespoons of batter for each of the 12 cupcakes and bake for approximately 17 minutes.
8. Let the treats cool fully. Enjoy them plain, or give them a delicious upgrade with a swirl of frosting.
   

Best frosting for cupcakes

1. For an airy texture in this buttercream frosting, beat the butter for about 8 minutes to ensure it absorbs plenty of air.
2. Incorporate the sifted powdered sugar gradually, adding one spoonful at a time. Though it requires some patience, the final result is absolutely worth it!
3. Boost the flavour with your preferred mix-ins or use food colouring to create a rainbow of hues, making your treats visually stunning. 
4. Finish the cupcakes by topping them with indulgent frosting.

Vanilla cupcake recipe

Vanilla cupcakes, a classic twist on a simple recipe, are incredibly easy to prepare and are loved by both kids and adults alike. To cook them, just add 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the batter and 1 teaspoon to the icing. To bring an extra dimension to the treat, consider incorporating chocolate chips or 3 teaspoons of almond extract into the batter.

Moist chocolate cupcake recipe

Here’s another timeless and delicious type of cupcake that you can effortlessly create by making a few simple tweaks to the basic recipe. Adding 30-40 grams of sifted cocoa powder to the batter is essential for infusing your dessert with an irresistible chocolate flavour. To make a fudgy frosting, mixing in 80 grams of sifted cocoa powder will result in a luscious dessert that everyone will adore.

Lemon cupcake recipe

With their bright, zesty lemon flavour, these cupcakes are a delectable treat that strikes a perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Their moist texture, paired with a whisper of citrus, delivers an invigorating spark, ensuring every bite is a splash of sunshine. To give the batter a delightful citrus note, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for each cupcake and mix a little into the icing. You can also enrich the batter by folding in around 150 grams of fresh blueberries for a lively burst of taste.

Carrot cupcake recipe

In this quick and easy recipe, the subtle warmth of spices blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of fresh carrot, making it a scrumptious way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet! Mix 50 grams of chopped raisins and the same amount of chopped walnuts, 60 grams of grated carrot, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ginger and a dash of nutmeg into the batter for a wonderful texture and flavour.

Red velvet cupcake recipe

Radiating a luscious burgundy hue, these velvety treats not only exude a tempting and luxurious appearance but also offer an exquisite, rich chocolate taste that captivates the senses. Enhanced by the fusion of 50 grams of sifted cocoa powder and a splash of red food colouring, the batter creates a decadent dessert that's sure to impress.

Coffee cupcake recipe

For coffee lovers, these cupcakes present an innovative and delightful way to indulge in their favourite beverage. Dissolve a tablespoon of your preferred instant coffee in a small amount of hot water, then mix it into the batter. Repeat this step with the icing. Pair this delectable dessert with a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence!

Vegan cupcake recipe

One of the best substitutes for eggs is two medium-sized mashed bananas; about 200 grams of vegan yoghurt is another viable alternative. You can also use vegan yoghurt to replace milk in the basic recipe. For gluten-free cupcakes, opt for almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. To replace butter, an ideal option is to incorporate approximately 170 grams of your favourite oil.

Mary Berry’s cupcake recipe

When it comes to classic cupcake recipes, Mary Berry’s creations are notable for their simplicity, quick preparation and enticing flavours.

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 180°C and arrange paper cases in a cupcake tin.
2. Combine all the batter ingredients and mix thoroughly until smooth, then pour evenly into the paper cases.
3. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, then let the cupcakes rest until completely cool.
4. Now, here's the cupcake icing recipe. Mix together milk, vanilla extract, butter, and half of the icing sugar until the texture is uniform and smooth. Incorporate the rest of the icing sugar and beat until fully blended.
5. Adorn your creations with lovely swirls of icing and savour the result!

Cupcake recipe in cups

This cupcake recipe is so easy and quick that even kids can master it! Moreover, luscious chocolate cupcakes prepared in cups in the microwave are wonderfully soft and fluffy, evoking a slight resemblance to brownies. Whip up a scrumptious treat in no time!

Ingredients

Preparation

1. In a bowl or cup suitable for the microwave, heat the butter until melted. 
2. Incorporate the cocoa powder and stir thoroughly to achieve a fully blended mixture.
3. Mix in sugar, milk, flour, and baking powder until thoroughly combined. Take care not to overmix!
4. Pour the batter into two microwave-safe cups.
5. Cook each cupcake for approximately 40-45 seconds. Be careful not to overbake it, as this may result in a dry texture.
6. Let the treats rest for 10 minutes to cool down, and then enjoy! You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a scoop of your preferred ice-cream.

Cupcake decorating ideas

Adorning cupcakes provides a wonderful opportunity to unleash your imagination, especially through the artful application of buttercream swirls. Utilising a piping bag with various tips allows for crafting stunning designs, such as roses, frills, and ruffles. You can also embellish your treats with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, delicate marshmallows, or cheerful edible glitter. Adding nuts, banana chips, crushed cookies, and fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries brings extra charm to your lovely dessert. 

Best way to store cupcakes

Once the treats are decorated, place them in a sealed container, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Baked cupcakes without frosting can also be frozen for up to 3 weeks. To defrost, leave them at room temperature until they are completely softened and thawed.