Food and Recipes Entertaining Ideas & Tips 28 Cupcake Recipes That'll Make Any Day Sweeter Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just your average Wednesday. By Zoe Denenberg Zoe Denenberg Zoe is a professional baker and writer. Zoe has written 300+ stories for Southern Living print and digital, focusing on food, travel, and culture. She draws on her own culinary knowledge to translate complicated techniques into easily digestible terms for home cooks. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 17, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall It's not hard to find a reason to make a batch of cupcakes. Whether you're celebrating something special like a birthday or graduation, or just looking for a little something sweet on an average Wednesday, cupcakes offer a bite of personalized joy in the most adorable form. Easier to assemble and frost than a layer cake, cupcakes can be shared, transported, and served without any cake slicing tools or skills. Whether you're sweet on citrus, in love with all things chocolate, or fancy yourself a coconut fanatic, we've collected our most decadent and popular cupcake recipes. You'll even find some surprise flavors in the bunch like margarita, Cheerwine, and German chocolate. After looking through these delicious images, we know you won't need any encouragement, but go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it! 01 of 28 Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cupcakes Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner Go ahead and bake a second batch. These cupcakes take our favorite indulgent flavor duo to new heights, and we guarantee they'll be gone in a flash. Serve with vanilla ice cream, a big glass of milk, or coffee (with Bailey's if you're feeling fun). Get The Recipe 02 of 28 Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes With Cherry-Swirl Frosting Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner We're bringing the classic cherry-flavored Southern soda to the baking zone with these Cheerwine-infused cupcakes. Made with boxed cake mix before being topped with a statement-making swirl frosting, you will be looking for more reasons to make these pink delights. Get The Recipe 03 of 28 Carrot Cake Cupcakes Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Who doesn't love moist and spiced carrot cake? This cupcake version of the classic is topped with your choice of whipped cream cheese frosting or a sweet drizzled glaze. Then, you'll sprinkle walnut pieces on top for a wonderful crunch. Get The Recipe 04 of 28 German Chocolate Cupcakes Photographer: Alison Miksch Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee The most indulgent layer cake got a teeny-tiny makeover that somehow makes each bite taste that much more full of chocolatey, coconut-flavored indulgence. We think these decadent cupcakes would pair perfectly with a big glass of cold milk or warm mug of coffee. If you love German chocolate cake, you have no reason not to try out this simple but gorgeous cupcake recipe. Get The Recipe 05 of 28 Honeybee Cupcakes Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Honey adds a subtle sweetness to the batter and buttercream in these gorgeous treats. This is a great recipe to use local honey, because the flavor will really shine. Get The Recipe 06 of 28 Strawberry-Lemonade Cupcakes Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas It may start with a box of cake mix, but this sunny-day dessert is anything but ordinary. Indulge your palate with the fresh flavor combo of strawberries and lemonade, and impress your potluck host with a tasty and gorgeous dessert option. Which lemonade recipe does this remind you of? Get The Recipe 07 of 28 Margarita Cupcakes Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Whether you serve it poolside or whip up a batch just because, this summery dessert will put you in a vacation state of mind in just one bite. With fresh tangy flavors that define your favorite drink, you will be looking for an excuse to theme a party with these in mind. Get The Recipe 08 of 28 Black Bottom Cupcakes Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Also known as Tuxedo Cupcakes, these treats have a layer of chocolate batter at the bottom and a smooth cream cheese filling dotted with chocolate chips. Get The Recipe 09 of 28 Sunflower Cupcakes Photographer: Alison Miksch Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee Who in your life comes to mind when you take in the bright sunny face of a sunflower? Nothing could brighten up someone's day like a batch of sunflower-themed cupcakes that start with a box of cake mix. The presentation goes a long way, and choosing to make these for a friend who needs their day brightened will feel so good. Get The Recipe 10 of 28 Key Lime Cupcakes Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Add a touch of sunshine to your dessert table. This twist on our favorite pie everything we love about the hallmark dessert, but without the extra cooling and chilling time. A note from the Test Kitchen: If you can't find fresh Key limes at your local grocery store, you can always substitute them with bottled Key lime juice. Get The Recipe 11 of 28 Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cupcakes Photographer: Alison Miksch Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee Like miniature cheesecakes topped with fluffy whipped cream and mixed berries, these cupcakes make the most adorable centerpiece for a party or shower. If you consider a wine pairing, these treats are begging for some sparkling wine as an accompaniment. We also like to think these beauties work well for dessert, anytime. Get The Recipe 12 of 28 Hummingbird Cupcakes With Candied Pineapple Wedges Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Turns out, the Southern-favorite cake—typically flavored with pineapple, pecans, banana, and cinnamon—is even more delicious in cupcake form, and the candied pineapple wedges make them occasion-worthy in seconds. The juices add so much flavor to the cake batter and keeps it incredibly moist. Get The Recipe 13 of 28 Camellia Cupcakes Emily Mingledorff A true Southern Beauty, these Camellia Cupcakes are piped with cream cheese frosting. Just like the flowers themselves, you can make the petals white, pink, red, or multi-hued. Get The Recipe 14 of 28 Lemon Cupcakes With Raspberry Buttercream Jennifer Causey Lemon and raspberry are two flavors that make a heavenly match, and this recipe is topped with fresh fruit for a charming finishing touch. When it comes to baking projects, we love combinations that highlight peak seasonal ingredients that we can easily find on a grocery store run or at the local farmer's market. Get The Recipe 15 of 28 Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes Victor Protasio You can forget all about the food dye with these beet-dyed red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting that don't even taste like there is a vegetable in the room. TIP: Microwaving the beets and adding lemon juice for acidity helps retain their color, making the cupcakes even more red. Get The Recipe 16 of 28 Easter Birds' Nest Coconut Cupcakes Cedric Angeles; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox Have you seen anything cuter to have at the egg hunt? Classic coconut cupcakes with a coconut-cream cheese frosting make a festive treat as it is, but these are topped with small candy eggs for extra cheer. If you're looking for a basic coconut cupcake recipe that is lighter and more tender than a boxed mix, this recipe fits the bill. Get The Recipe 17 of 28 Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey Say hello to the birthday dessert that everyone will love. A mix between ice cream cones and cupcakes, this recipe starts with boxed cake mix baked into an ice cream cone and is topped with a chocolate-cream cheese frosting and festive rainbow sprinkles. This recipe makes one dozen cones but can easily be doubled or even tripled if you are hosting or serving a crowd. Get The Recipe 18 of 28 Dreamsicle Cupcakes With Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones Emily Mingledorff, Pie Crust & Pixie Dust Who doesn't love creamy, citrusy Dreamsicle? These patriotic cupcakes are packed with Dreamsicle flavor and topped with royal icing-decorated ice cream cone "lighthouses." Not only eye-catching, but delicious, you will win the barbecue with your whimsical dessert contribution. Get The Recipe 19 of 28 Chocolate-Key Lime Cupcake Pies This cupcake version of a chocolate-key lime pie is an ideal pick-up dessert for entertaining, featuring a crumb crust with chocolate wafers and cream cheese mixture with fresh Key lime juice. The taste here is just a little elevated and your friends will wonder which bakery provided such goodness. Get The Recipe 20 of 28 Mini King Cake Cupcakes Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Lydia Degaris-Pursell; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns Mardi Gras made bite-sized. Spiced batter is baked into a yeasty roll-like cupcake that you finish with the quintessential vanilla glaze and tri-colored sprinkles. Everything about this celebratory sweet bite says Mardi Gras. The question is, what will you serve prior to dessert? We've got some ideas. Get The Recipe 21 of 28 Lane Cupcakes Southern Living Lane Cake made its first appearance in Southern Living in March 1966, our second issue ever, and we've recreated it over the years with delicious results each time. Instead of fooling with cake layers, these cupcakes are topped with luscious white frosting and a dollop of cake filling. All the taste with less effort. Get The Recipe 22 of 28 Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting Hector Manuel Sanchez These citrus treats are too good to keep to yourself. Make an extra batch and bring to a friend for the sweetest surprise, or be sure to raise your hand for dessert when there's party planning afoot. The presentation for the cupcake recipe is decidedly springy, but the taste is right for anytime. Get The Recipe 23 of 28 Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes & Buttermilk Cream Cheese Frosting Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio Make birds' nests with malted milk balls and a mouthwatering combination of pineapple and coconut flavors. You might think the easiest match here is Easter, but we love the egg and nest theme for a baby shower, too! This treats make an impression, so be ready to share your cupcake recipe secrets. Get The Recipe 24 of 28 Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes Micah Leal Don't expect any artificial flavoring or colors in this recipe, which features a super airy strawberry cupcake topped with frosting made with cream cheese. The freeze dried strawberries lend bright flavor and intense color. We are thinking is a great selection for your sweetheart, and baking them out of the blue will win you some sweet points. Get The Recipe 25 of 28 Gingerbread Muffins Micah A. Leal There's something about gingerbread that smells like festive home time with loved ones. The use of dark brown sugar and the addition of vegetable oil to the batter make the interior of these muffins extra moist and exceptionally easy to eat. Whether you need help getting in the holiday spirit or you simply want a taste of one of winter's most beloved flavors, our gingerbread muffins will do the trick! Get The Recipe 26 of 28 Rainbow Fish Cupcakes Southern Living Guests will love the mix of flavors in these cupcakes, especially from the surprisingly sweet strawberry cupcakes, which are way more fun than just a vanilla of chocolate cupcake seen at every birthday party and event. The candy that forms the fish lends color, texture, and surprise. You will find a little sour and a even a little spice with the Hot Tamale fish mouth. Get The Recipe 27 of 28 Coconut-Lime Cupcakes Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis These miniature cakes are sensational all on their own, but when crowned with an elegant swirl of coconut-lime frosting, they simply can't be beat. The flavors here will remind you of your favorite tropical destination. When was the last time you took a vacation? Take a bit and remember... Get The Recipe 28 of 28 Ambrosia Cupcakes Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Giulietta Pinna; Food Styling: Ali Ramee Cake flour makes the crumb in these cupcakes tender, and coconut flour (look for it in the baking aisle) adds extra flavor. If you can't find coconut sugar, use an equal amount of granulated sugar. Garnish these sweet cupcakes with a maraschino cherry and a spiraled orange peel, and you've got the perfect makings for a surprising brunch treat that everyone will enjoy. 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