It’s time to try out some new cupcake recipes! After the hugely popular cupcake chain Crumbs announced it was closing its doors in July, headlines declared that the cupcake trend was officially over. Cupcake lovers always knew that wasn’t so. And last month the newly resurrected Crumbs reopened its doors, proving them right. Sex and the City is widely credited with sparking the craze in 2000 when Carrie and Miranda indulged in a couple of the pint-sized confections outside of Magnolia Bakery. As Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine magazine, Dana Cowin says, “It is the ongoing affordable luxury. Americans may be skipping fancy dinners but everyone can afford to treat themselves to a cupcake.”
One of the best things about cupcakes is their versatility. You can make them as sweet or as savory as you like, mix and match cake, frosting and filling flavors—the sky’s the limit. Another great thing about cupcakes is that they’re incredibly easy to make at home. So to celebrate our love of this ongoing food phenomenon, we’ve found 15 cupcake recipes that will make you put off your post-holiday diet for just a little longer.
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1. Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcake
From the kitchen of Magnolia Bakery, whose West Village location still sees lines of eager cupcake fans stretching around the block, owner Allysa Tory shares the recipe for their most popular cupcake. Yep, it really is vanilla with vanilla frosting. Who knew?
2. Coconut, Pineapple & Rum Cupcakes
Cupcakes go tropical with the sunny flavors of coconut, pineapple and rum. These may be just the thing to ward off winter blues.
3. Pumpkin Eggnog Cupcakes
Pumpkin Eggnog Cupcakes are the perfect holiday treat. We recommend that you make a big batch to keep on hand if you need a last-minute gift or contribution to a holiday party.
4. Cupcake Christmas Tree
Courtesy of pastry chef extraordinaire Gail Gand, this Cupcake Christmas Tree is surprisingly simple to assemble and it’s a fabulous centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. This recipe is for vanilla cupcakes but you can mix it up if the mood strikes you.
5. Mini Mimosa Cupcakes
These adorable Mini Mimosa Cupcakes almost seem refreshing. These bite-sized treats are a phenomenal party offering. The cupcakes are infused with fresh-squeezed Mandarin orange juice and topped with Champagne buttercream frosting. Truly a mini mimosa!
6. Gluten-Free Banana Split Cupcakes
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself—there are tons of gluten-free cupcake recipes out there. These Banana Split Cupcakes are made with coconut flour and gluten-free sprinkles. Strawberry cake topped with chocolate ganache and all the sundae fixin’s. Relish!
7. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting
These are pure decadence. Bourbon and chocolate cupcakes with oozy, pecan pie filling and butter pecan frosting. Do you need anything more?
8. Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
These gorgeous treat would make an amazing Valentine’s Day dessert. You know what they say about the way to a man’s heart…. The only thing better than a chocolate cupcake is a chocolate cupcake filled with Nutella and topped with raspberry buttercream.
9. Abuelita Chocolate-Coffee Cupcakes
If you love Abuelita chocolate in your morning coffee, you’ll absolutely adore it in cupcakes. These treats have a touch of Latin flair and they’ll satisfy your chocolate cravings with an added kick of caffeine.
10. Lemon Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream
Blackberry and lemon make a great pair in the form of scrumptious cupcakes. These are a light and airy, fruity taste sensation.
11. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcake
This scrumptious winter-inspired cupcake recipe comes to us from Cupcake Wars. It’s got it all: coffee, chocolate, ganache and peppermint marshmallow buttercream frosting (OMG!). These are definitely not low-cal but they’re insanely delicious.
12. Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Searching for breakfast cupcake recipes? Look no further, these Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes are even better than traditional cinnamon rolls. They’ve got a cinnamon swirl inside and plenty of streusel on top.
13. Sausage Mushroom Lasagna Cupcakes
We thought we’d give you a break from the sugar overload with these savory Sausage Mushroom Lasagna Cupcakes. They make a great appetizer for any party and a crowd-pleasing Super Bowl snack.
14. Salted Caramel Cupcake
Here’s another Cupcake Wars contender. In addition to the caramel buttercream frosting, you can top them with coarse sea salt, caramel sauce or cashews.
15. Caramel Churro Cupcakes
These cinnamony Latin-style treats are filled with gooey caramel and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Wow.
Photos 4, 11 & 14 courtesy of Food Network.com.
