I enjoy uncovering straightforward cupcake recipes that bring joy to my kitchen and to my taste buds. My light-hearted compilation of simple cupcake recipes has something for every dessert fan.

Among these recipes, I offer one for Uncomplicated Vanilla Cupcakes. These are everything a vanilla cupcake should be—light, fluffy, and with just the right hint of vanilla.

I also share a truly easy recipe for chocolate cupcakes. Like their vanilla counterparts, these guys taste just like what I remember from my school cafeteria, which makes sense because I adapted both recipes from the base used for my chocolate birthday cake.

The 18 Best easy cupcake recipes

1. Easy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

I have an uncomplicated vanilla cupcake recipe that calls for all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, softened butter, whole milk, eggs, and pure vanilla extract, which I consider to be just right for a speedy homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin that holds 12 cups with liners meant for cupcakes.

2. In a bowl large enough to hold it, cream together the butter that has been left to soften and the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs, using one at a time and mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

4. Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Easy Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

I offer a straightforward recipe for chocolate cupcakes that uses easy-to-find components like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk. These cooked cupcakes can be savored warm, straight from the oven.

They can also stand up to a swirl of frosting, a drizzle of ganache, or a dusting of powdered sugar. But here’s the thing: they only take 30 minutes to bake from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. In a bowl of medium size, combine by whisking the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

4. Separate the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

3. Easy Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

My straightforward recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes features a mix of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and buttermilk, yielding moist and colorful confections that are just right for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare a cupcake tin by outfitting it with paper liners.

2. Whisk together in a bowl of medium size the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a big bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil, then add the egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Combine everything well.

4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix until they are just combined. Do not mix too much.

5. Evenly divide the batter among the liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

4. Easy Lemon Cupcake Recipe

My Easy Lemon Cupcake Recipe lets you experience the joy of baking with its use of the simple, all-purpose ingredients that every home baker has on hand: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, soft unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. These cupcakes are perfect for when you want to enjoy a concentrated hit of lemon flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cupcake pan by lining it with cupcake liners.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.

3. In a second bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture in alternating portions, starting and ending with the flour mixture, and combine until just mixed.

4. Evenly distribute the batter among the liners and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

5. Easy Carrot Cupcake Recipe

These uncomplicated carrot cupcakes employ modest ingredients such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and finely grated carrots. They are perfect for the novice baker and for any impromptu occasion; the cupcakes are incredibly moist and full of flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup finely grated carrots

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.

3. Incorporate the oil and shredded carrots into the dry ingredients and mix until barely combined.

4. Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners and bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

6. Easy Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe

Uncover my Simple Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe, which blends together all-purpose flour, canned pumpkin puree, and a whisper of ground cinnamon. The next time you want to whip up some scrumptious fall-inspired cupcakes, look no further than this easy, breezy recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), and a muffin tin should be readied with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl of medium size, the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt are combined and whisked together.

3. In a different bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and sugar, mixing until the two are completely blended.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, supplying them in a slow, steady stream while stirring. Use a spatula to give everything a basic mix, and then beat with a hand mixer until the batter is smooth. Evenly distribute the batter among the 12 cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Put the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. After 10 minutes in the oven, start checking for done-ness. To check, put a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done.

7. Easy Banana Cupcake Recipe

The Easy Banana Cupcake Recipe reveals all the good things—ripe bananas, granulated sugar, softened butter—that go into the mix. And if you take the time to read the instructions, you’ll find that the method is just as easy as the name suggests.

The result is a blend of perfect simplicity and perfect deliciousness. These treats are just right for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.

2. In a big bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and the mashed bananas.

3. In a separate bowl, already containing the flour and baking soda, blend them together nicely. Then, bit by bit, add the dry components to the wet banana base, and mix gently until just combined.

4. Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups you prepared. Bake them for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick thrust into the heart of one emerges clean. Then set the pan on a wire rack to cool just long enough for it to be safe to touch the cupcakes—maybe 3-4 minutes—and to allow any excessive steam to escape. After that, turn the cupcakes out onto the wire rack to continue cooling.

8. Easy Coconut Cupcake Recipe

Create delightful coconut cupcakes with these simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, sweetened shredded coconut, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut milk. Their uncomplicated prep makes them a win for a tropical twist.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut milk

Instructions

1. Your oven should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and a cupcake pan should be fitted with paper liners.

2. In a bowl, together cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Allow the mixture to form little air bubbles, which will enlarge when the cake is baked and will help it rise. You can do this by mixing for 5 minutes or so with a handheld mixer or even longer if you are using a standing mixer.

3. In a different bowl, combine the flour and shredded coconut. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, and taking care to start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

4. Equally distribute the batter among the liners for cupcakes and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check them at the lower end of the range, and don’t open the oven door until 18 minutes have passed. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, not with wet batter clinging to it. After 5 minutes in the pan to cool, the cupcakes can be transferred to a wire rack.

9. Easy Strawberry Cupcake Recipe

Enjoy my effortless cupcake recipe that features all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and fresh strawberries. Moist and ultra-fruity, these delightful treats are a must-try for anyone who loves strawberries!

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped#

Instructions

1. Your oven should be set to 350°F (175°C), and you should line a pan for cupcakes with liners made of paper.

2. In a big mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla.

3. Slowly add the flour, mixing it in gradually, and alternating with the milk. Start with the flour and end with the flour. Don’t overmix; stop when the batter is just combined. Then, pick up the chopped strawberries and fold them gently into the batter.

4. The batter should be divided equally among the liners, and the cupcakes should be baked for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be allowed to cool completely before serving.

10. Easy Funfetti Cupcake Recipe

These Funfetti Cupcakes are easy bakes, made with all-purpose flour, creamy butter, and lots of vanilla extract and colorful rainbow sprinkles. A not-so-secret ingredient—sour cream—ensures a moist and tender cupcake crumb.

Ingredients

1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin pan holding 12 cups with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, using a whisk, thoroughly mix the dry ingredients together.

3. In another big bowl, mix the butter and sugar. Beat them well until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. Then, add in the ingredients you see here: vanilla extract, and then eggs—one at a time, beating well after each egg.

4. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, using the sour cream as a buffer, and mix until the batter is just combined. Now, if you want to add a bit of color to your cake, fold in some sprinkles.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

11. Easy Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe

This straightforward peanut butter cupcake recipe uses uncomplicated components—smooth peanut butter, white sugar, and plain flour—to produce charming little cakes. When one is in the mood for cupcakes and desires something with a little less fuss than a layer cake, this is a solid go-to recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly and set the bowl aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar, and mix until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. Then, add the milk and combine thoroughly.

4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling them 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

12. Easy Oreo Cupcake Recipe

Here is my simple recipe for Oreo cupcakes. The delightful mix of chocolate cake mix, Oreo cookies, and a vanilla frosting brings a cupcake that is suitable for any occasion to you.

I have made these cupcakes many times and have learned that the trick to making them perfect is to use a whole Oreo cookie at the base of the cupcake and to throw some crushed Oreos into the frosting for texture.

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
12 Oreo cookies
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
1 tub (16 oz) prepared vanilla frosting

Instructions

1. Your oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) and a cupcake pan that makes 12 cupcakes should have its liners in place. One whole Oreo should be placed in each liner at the bottom before adding any batter.

2. In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix for chocolate cake according to the package directions, using the water, oil, and eggs. Stir into the batter one cup of crushed Oreo cookies.

3. Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Place them in a preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The next step is crucial: let the cupcakes cool completely.

4. After they have cooled, use the vanilla frosting to coat the top of each cupcake and decorate with more crushed Oreos, if you so desire. Then enjoy your Oreo cupcakes, which are incredible and definitely not an abomination.

13. Easy Mocha Cupcake Recipe

I offer a straightforward recipe for mocha cupcakes that combines all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and brewed strong coffee. These uncomplicated ingredients yield wonderful cupcakes that are suitable for any festivity.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. The oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) and a muffin tin should be prepared with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, and whisk together.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, coffee, and egg. Mix until the ingredients are uniform. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just enough to incorporate them without going overboard.

4. Distribute the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

14. Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake Recipe

Prepare a batch of mint chocolate chip cupcakes using cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, mini chocolate chips, and peppermint extract. Savor this fast and fun treat!

Ingredients

1 box of chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a cupcake tin by placing paper liners in it.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and peppermint extract. Stir until just combined.

3. Mini chocolate chips should be folded in until they are evenly distributed.

4. Evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each one about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

15. Easy Nutella Cupcake Recipe

Satisfy your cravings with my effortless Nutella cupcakes. They come together in a flash, yet they’re rich and chocolatey and topped with just a swirl of Nutella.

Serve them warm, or at room temperature, with a glass of cold milk.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Nutella

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. In a big bowl, combine and thoroughly mix the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder—this job is best done with a whisk.

3. In a different bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they are well blended. Then, add them to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

4. Halfway fill each cupcake liner with batter, then add a spoonful of Nutella on top. Using a toothpick, swirl the Nutella into the batter slightly. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool before serving.

16. Easy Blueberry Cupcake Recipe

This Simple Blueberry Cupcake Recipe calls for easy-to-find, everyday ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and fresh or frozen blueberries. These cupcakes are a remarkable, straightforward way to create baked goods.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place 12 liners in a cupcake pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

3. Slowly mix the flour into the mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Lightly fold in the blueberries.

4. Scoop the batter into the lined tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and serve.

17. Easy Vanilla Chai Cupcake Recipe

Uncover my uncomplicated Vanilla Chai Cupcake formula, which calls for all-purpose flour, a ground chai spice blend, and vanilla extract. This pleasing dessert takes the typical cupcake to another dimension, blending warmth and comfort with the familiar richness of vanilla.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chai spice mix
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, combine and mix well the following ingredients: flour, baking powder, chai spice mix, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. The dry ingredients should be added in increments to the wet ingredients, in just two parts, and mixed not too thoroughly. The milk should be added in one part and mixed not too too thoroughly either. This is the sort of mixing that is not too easy and is not too hard, i.e., just right, in which the cupcake batter is blended to an optimal state of combine. After this, the batter will look more like a smooth mixture than a lumpy one, but lumps are okay, especially since the lumps will have all sorts of shapes and sizes.

18. Easy Maple Bacon Cupcake Recipe

Uncover the way to easily make maple bacon cupcakes, uniting the flavors of maple syrup, bacon, butter, and milk. It’s the perfect cupcake, moist and with a delightful twist!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl that is large, combine by whisking the flour, sugar, and baking powder together.

3. In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, egg, and maple syrup. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix it until it’s just combined.

4. Combine the diced bacon with the batter and pour it into the lined cupcake pans, filling each to about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.