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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!
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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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).
Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes With Cherry-Swirl Frosting
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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.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
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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.
Honeybee Cupcakes
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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.
Strawberry-Lemonade Cupcakes
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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?
Black Bottom Cupcakes
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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.
Sunflower Cupcakes
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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.
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cupcakes
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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.
Hummingbird Cupcakes With Candied Pineapple Wedges
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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.
Camellia Cupcakes
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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.
Dreamsicle Cupcakes With Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones
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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.
Mini King Cake Cupcakes
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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.
Lane Cupcakes
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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.
Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting
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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.
Gingerbread Muffins
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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!
Rainbow Fish Cupcakes
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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.
Ambrosia Cupcakes
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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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