Creative Ideas for Cupcakes

1 of 57 Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Mini Almond Cupcakes

Mini Almond Cupcakes Recipe
Kids will love decorating these cute Mini Almond Cupcakes. Feel free to tint the icing to a variety of festive shades for these little confections.

2 of 57 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mindi Shapiro and Amanda Widis

Mile-High Coconut Cupcakes

Mile-High Coconut Cupcakes Recipe
These cupcakes are a mile high with icing and great coconut flavor.

3 of 57 Photo: Oxmoor House

Sour Cream-Cocoa Cupcakes

Sour Cream-Cocoa Cupcakes Recipe
These cocoa-laden cupcakes make a delightful surprise for gluten-free chocoholics. Sour cream gives the cupcakes a moist and dense texture, leaving you more satisfied with each delicious bite.

4 of 57 Photo: Oxmoor House

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes Recipe
Petite and almost too cute to eat, these miniature cupcakes are infused with the sweet flavor of summer's juiciest fruit.

5 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Caramel-Mocha-Sea Salt Cupcakes

Caramel-Mocha-Sea Salt Cupcakes Recipe
This cupcake is a combination of salty and sweet blended with mocha and is one of the most requested flavors at Dreamcakes Bakery.

6 of 57 Jeffery Cross

Chloe's Vegan Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Chloe's Vegan Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe
These chocolate strawberry shortcake cupcakes are not only super creative, gorgeous, and delicious - they were also the first vegan recipe to win a Food Network competition (the 2010 "Cupcake Wars"). Sandwich strawberry slices and vegan frosting (made with nondairy milk) between the cupcake bottom and the cupcake top, then finish it all off with another layer of frosting, sliced strawberries, and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

7 of 57 Dan Goldberg

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes Recipe
Dense coconut milk, added right into the batter, gives these cupcakes all the flavor of the full-sized concoction, but with the added cuteness of individual servings. Top with traditional cream cheese icing and toasted coconut.

8 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Amaretto Apple Streusel Cupcakes

Amaretto Apple Streusel Cupcakes Recipe
We simply adore these apple streusel cupcakes -- and judging by all the five-star ratings, so do our users! The homemade cinnamon-flavored streusel perfectly accents the apples' sweetness, while the simple glaze pulls it all together. If you love amaretto, try adding a splash of liqueur to the glaze as well.

9 of 57 Photo: Hector Sanchez Styling: Heather Chadduck

Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting (Pam's Citrus Cupcakes)

Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting (Pam's Citrus Cupcakes) Recipe
These bright and fresh cupcakes are topped with a tangy lemon buttercream.

10 of 57 Photo: Oxmoor House

Banana-Toffee Cupcakes

Banana-Toffee Cupcakes Recipe
Sticky, sweet, and bursting with bananas, these cupcakes provide the perfect antidote for the after-school munchies.

11 of 57 Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Walnut Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Walnut Cupcakes with Maple Frosting Recipe
Unlike their full-fat cousins, which get their softness from oil and butter, light cakes rely less on fat and more on sugar and liquids. More sugar minimizes the development of gluten proteins (the primary source of toughness in cakes), but it can also cause excess browning, especially if dairy products are present. Pull the cake from the oven when a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs still clinging to it.

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Whole-Wheat Banana-Carrot Cupcakes

Whole-Wheat Banana-Carrot Cupcakes Recipe
"I came up with this recipe for some health-conscious friends, but it doesn't taste too healthy!"

Stephanie Chain, 27, St. Marys, Ga.

13 of 57 Photo: Levi Brown

Tropical Banana Cupcakes

Tropical Banana Cupcakes Recipe
These cupcakes will have a richer flavor if you toast the nuts before baking. Spread them in a single layer in a jelly-roll pan, and bake at 350° for 5 to 8 minutes. Check frequently, because they burn easily.

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Cupcakes With Browned Butter Frosting

Cupcakes With Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
When you need "tastes like homemade" in minutes, use this recipe. Top cupcakes, made with packaged pound cake mix, with a creamy, buttery frosting that's sure to have everyone begging for more. For added appeal, garnish with mint leaves and edible violas.

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Lemon-Blueberry Ice-cream Cupcakes

Lemon-Blueberry Ice-cream Cupcakes Recipe
Update the idea of ice cream cakes with these frozen treats. Layer crushed lemon cookies with blueberry filling and a creamy milk-and-frozen lemonade mixture. Dollop whipped topping on last, and freeze overnight then add sprinkles, jelly beans, and anything else sweet you can find.

16 of 57 James Carrier

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Marshmallow Filling

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Marshmallow Filling Recipe
Bake chocolate cupcakes with a surprise inside. With a knife, hollow out the center of the baked cakes and fill with marshmallow cream. Top with a gooey chocolate cream cheese frosting for a sure-fire winner among kids and adults.

17 of 57 Photo: James Baigrie

Orange Marmalade-Ricotta Cupcakes with Marmalade Buttercream Frosting

Orange Marmalade-Ricotta Cupcakes with Marmalade Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Boxed cake mix is the only routine ingredient in these creative confections. Orange juice, ricotta cheese, and orange marmalade add tons of rich flavor and keep the cupcakes moist. Top with Marmalade Buttercream Frosting for an event-worthy dessert.

18 of 57 Photo: Van Chaplin; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Sweet Potato-Pecan Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet Potato-Pecan Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Keep this family favorite around for the holiday season. Mashed sweet potatoes give the cakes extra moistness, while a myriad of spices including cinnamon and nutmeg, spice up the traditionally sweet dessert. A simple cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped pecans is all that's needed on top.

19 of 57 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Mississippi Mud Cupcakes

Mississippi Mud Cupcakes Recipe
The chocoholic in your family will swoon for these s'more like treats. Chocolate cupcakes are topped with mini marshmallows and a thick chocolate frosting drizzle.

20 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Old-Fashioned Caramel Cupcakes

Old-Fashioned Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Old-Fashioned Caramel is a cupcake that can't be rushed. It's a true labor of love. The caramel has to cool for a while before you can make the frosting, and then you need to use the frosting right away. If the frosting gets too thick to spread, add just a little cream or milk to make it spreadable. It is definitely worth the effort.

21 of 57 Photo: John O'Hagan

Team Spirit Cupcakes

Team Spirit Cupcakes Recipe
Perfect for the Junior's bake sale, this recipe dresses up store-bought iced cupcakes. Simply pick up coarse sugar and lollipops in your school's colors. Add a ribbon around the stem of the sucker for extra color and package them individually.

22 of 57 Jim Bathie

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Update the classic recipe with a few of our favorite shortcuts. Start with boxed cake mix and add a few tablespoons of cocoa. The red food coloring is optional, but adds great contrast between the cake and the frosting. Serve in muffin cups, or unwrap for pretty presentation.

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Lemonade Cupcakes

Lemonade Cupcakes Recipe
Perfect for summer, these cakes get their name–and great flavor–from frozen lemonade concentrate. Balance the tart flavor with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Don't forget the sour gummies on top.

24 of 57 Photo: Hector Sanchez Styling: Heather Chadduck

Orange Sherbet Cupcakes

Orange Sherbet Cupcakes Recipe
The cupcakes are topped with a lightly tangy orange sherbet buttercream.

25 of 57 Randy Mayor; Cindy Barr

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Chocolate lovers everywhere will swoon over the super-rich chocolatey flavor of these luscious cupcakes.

26 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lemon Angel Food Cupcakes

Lemon Angel Food Cupcakes Recipe
If you love light, fluffy, bright desserts, check out this cupcake concoction. Lemon rind and fresh lemon juice punch up the flavor and give your cupcakes true zing!

27 of 57 Kate Sears

Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
If you love fruit-flavored cupcakes, check out these banana cupcakes, which call for adding 2 mashed ripe bananas to the batter. The homemade chocolate frosting really pairs well with the cupcakes' delicate banana flavor.

28 of 57 Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Salted Caramel-Chocolate Cupcakes

Salted Caramel-Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Jazz up basic vanilla cupcakes with a layer of creamy semisweet chocolate, then crown it all with Salted Caramel Buttercream frosting. The frosting calls for adding kosher salt to the cream cheese-and-caramel mixture, which gives it incredible salty-sweet appeal.

29 of 57 Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting Recipe
Chocolatey cupcakes paired with a peppermint-flavored frosting and chopped peppermint candies are perfect for Christmas parties.

30 of 57 Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Karen Tack

Bunny Face Cupcakes

Bunny Face Cupcakes Recipe
Decorate store-bought cupakes for Easter by making cute bunny faces with marshmallows, coconut, pretzels, and an assortment of candy.

31 of 57 Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Lemon-Scented Blueberry Cupcakes

Lemon-Scented Blueberry Cupcakes Recipe
Flavor basic buttermilk cupcake batter with grated lemon rind and fold in fresh or thawed blueberries for these sweet-and-tart cupcakes. Spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top and serve with extra blueberries.

32 of 57 Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Karen Tack

Bunny Cookie Cupcakes

Bunny Cookie Cupcakes Recipe
Kids will love decorating these simple bunny cupcakes. Start with boxed or grocery store cupcakes then decorate each with vanilla frosting, green coconut, and bunnie cookies. Kneading together refrigerated sugar cookie dough and flour make it easer to cut out the bunny shapes.

33 of 57 Photo: Charles Schiller

Orange-Glazed Strawberry Cupcakes

Orange-Glazed Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
A hint of orange juice and chopped fresh strawberries give these cupcakes their wonderfully fruity flavor. Top with a glaze made from orange juice and confectioner's sugar, and garnish with a strawberry half for pretty presentation.

34 of 57 Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Karen Tack

Sweet Li'l Bunny Cupcakes

Sweet Li'l Bunny Cupcakes Recipe
Perfect for Easter or a spring-themed birthday party for a bunny lover, these cupcakes are (almost!) too cute to eat. Look for bunny candies in kitchen stores or by special order.

35 of 57 Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Pineapple-Coconut Cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting

Pineapple-Coconut Cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
The center of each cupcake is filled with a sweet pineapple mixture that highlights the homemade buttermilk-cream cheese frosting. Make birds' nests on the top of each cupcake with malted milk balls and edible paper.

36 of 57 Photo: Ryan Benyl; Styling: Stephana Bottom

Coffee-Toffee Ice Cream Cupcakes

Coffee-Toffee Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe
These delicious cupcakes are a homemade twist on store-bought ice cream cake. Mix coffee-flavored ice cream with Heath Bar bits and sandwich between circles of frozen pound cake and a layer of sweetened, whipped heavy cream. Top the ice cream cupcakes with more Heath Bar bits and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

37 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Pecan Pie is the quintessential dessert of fall. Crunchy toasted pecans and buttery Piecrust Leaves enhance the rich creamy frosting for a cupcake you'll make again and again.

38 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe
Apple and caramel are pretty simple ingredients, but when combined they are a delectable treat. Top off these cupcakes with toasted pecans to create a traditional fall favorite. We love to add the tiny crab apples as a garnish for extra-special occasions.

39 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe
This cupcake is without a doubt most men's favorite. You can see the smile as soon as they spot that crisp bacon strip resting on top of the golden maple frosting. It's the wonderful combination of salty and sweet together. We describe it as the flavor you get when bacon mingles with syrup while eating pancakes. We suggest about half a slice on each cupcake, but feel free to add as much as you want.

40 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Chocolate High Cupcakes

Chocolate High Cupcakes Recipe
Chocolate High is all about chocolate. We tried to get as much of it as possible into one cupcake. This creation has turned out to be our staff chocoholic's favorite. With nothing but chocolate through and through, it's so beautiful piled high with Chocolate Frosting and Chocolate Ganache.

41 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling

Mocha Latte Cupcakes

Mocha Latte Cupcakes Recipe
Our Mocha Latte cupcake is a double shot of flavor. Espresso powder gives a deep, rich flavor to the chocolate cake. We spread on a thick layer of Vanilla Frosting, drizzle it with caramel and chocolate, top it off with sprinkles—and you don't have to wait in the drive-thru for it.

42 of 57 Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe
Chocolate and peanut butter—the perfect pairing. The generous swirl of Peanut Butter Frosting and luscious filling of Chocolate Ganache make this cupcake an irresistible chocolate treat.

43 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Banana Split Cupcakes

Banana Split Cupcakes Recipe
This cupcake truly tastes like a banana split! You can add all your favorite toppings or just a few.

44 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes

Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes Recipe
If you are looking for a chocolate fix, look no further. This is layer upon layer of chocolate. Moist Chocolate Cake, a mountain of Chocolate Frosting, and a sprinkle of chocolate chunks. If you feel the need for a little more, fill the cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. This one is guaranteed to fulfill and chocolate lover's dream.

45 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

White Linen Cupcakes

White Linen Cupcakes Recipe
White Linen Cupcakes are a light combination of Mascarpone Frosting and white chocolate curls over a tender cupcake. Perfect for a tea, party, or shower, they're delicate and delicious. Serve them with an ice-cold glass of milk.

46 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Over the Moon Cupcakes

Over the Moon Cupcakes Recipe
If there is a rival to Wedding Cake, it is our Over the Moon cupcake. We make it with an oh-so-rich vanilla bean paste that gives it an "out of this world" flavor. One customer said that it tastes like it was kissed by an angel.

47 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes Recipe
Cookies and Cream cupcakes are irresistable! The creamy vanilla frosting is jam-packed with crushed cookies. A tall glass of milk is all you need to complete this luscious treat.

48 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Snow White Cupcakes

Snow White Cupcakes Recipe
We developed White Christmas to create our own little wonderland of snow. The peppermint-Cream Cheese Frosting gives a luscious, chilly bite and sparkling scent to this bright, frosty cupcake.

49 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

New Year's Cupcakes

New Year's Cupcakes Recipe
New Year's Eve is one of the few holidays celebrated around the world. Why not ring in the new with cupcakes? Here's to celebrating new beginnings tastefully...

50 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

First Kiss Cupcakes

First Kiss Cupcakes Recipe
As sweet as love's first kiss, our chocolate and cherry cupcake is special. One bite and you'll fall in love, all with a cherry on top!

51 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Stupid Cupid Cupcakes

Stupid Cupid Cupcakes Recipe
Strawberries look uncannily like hearts; that's why we named this recipe Stupid Cupid. It's one of our original Valentine's Day flavors that is requested year-round. Top one with a fresh strawberry or a chocolate dipped one- either way, it's a sweet way to say, "You have my heart."

52 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Garden Party Cupcakes

Garden Party Cupcakes Recipe
These light little bites are the most adorable sweet treats for an afternoon tea. Edible flowers were especially popular during Queen Victoria's reign; we think she would be pleased with this addition to tea time. Be sure your blossoms are nonpoisonous and free of pesticides. We've listed a few below that we think are lovely for any garden party.

53 of 57 Photo: David Malosh; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Candy Butterfly Cupcakes

Candy Butterfly Cupcakes Recipe
These cupcakes are so cute, they'll fly right off the plate!

54 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Oh Baby! Cupcakes

Oh Baby! Cupcakes Recipe
One of the happiest events we celebrate is the arrival of a new baby. Whether boy or girl, it is always exciting. The newest craze is to reveal the sex of the baby by colored cake or filling hidden underneath a layer of white or chocolate frosting. When you take your first bite, the blue or pink announces the coming of a son or daughter.

55 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Under the Big Top Cupcakes

Under the Big Top Cupcakes Recipe
Bright colors and circus animals are guaranteed to make kids of all ages smile and to make any day a celebration.

56 of 57 Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Blackberry Summer Cupcakes

Blackberry Summer Cupcakes Recipe
Blackberries flourish all summer long in the South. They grow anywhere and everywhere and are free for the picking. They have prickly thorns, but if you're careful, you can have a bucketful of plump, juicy berries in no time. The only cost may be a few scratches and purple fingers, but you'll have gained lots of berries to share—if you're feeling generous.

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Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes Recipe
This is a real dandy. It would be a great addition to your July 4th celebration spread. The amusing effect of the swirled frosting can be duplicated using any colors for any occasion. It makes a fun Christmas cupcake using red and green or a pretty spring cupcake using pink and green.