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Mini Cupcakes Recipe

If you have been searching for that perfect crowd-pleaser to brighten up any gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this Mini Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try. Deliciously moist and perfectly bite-sized, these mini cupcakes offer a delightful balance of fluffy vanilla cake and silky, creamy frosting. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and fun, guaranteeing charming little treats that everyone will adore. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh cupcakes and enjoy a scrumptious experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Mini Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential. Each plays a vital role—flour and leaveners create the base texture, butter and eggs add richness, while sour cream and milk ensure moistness. The frosting ingredients bring the final touch of sweetness and creaminess, making these cupcakes truly irresistible.

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cupcakes, providing structure and tenderness.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully for a light texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to give a subtle lift without heaviness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creamy fluffiness to both batter and frosting.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to their tender crumb.
  • 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture and lift.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that makes every bite comforting.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cupcakes moist and gives a slight tang that balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and smooths out the batter for perfect consistency.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar: The essential base for that luscious frosting everyone loves.
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the frosting creamy and easy to pipe or spread.
  • Food coloring (optional): For adding fun and festive colors to your frosting.
  • Sprinkles or other toppings (optional): To give your mini cupcakes that extra sparkle and personality.

How to Make Mini Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line mini muffin pans generously with mini cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes release easily after baking. This simple beginning sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Doing this ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, which helps the cupcakes rise uniformly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial – it incorporates air for that airy cupcake texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a lovely aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined prevents overworking the batter, ensuring cupcakes stay tender and moist.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full to prevent overflow while baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The mini size means quick baking and perfect portion control.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the mini cupcakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, keeping your cupcakes beautifully presented.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Once fully incorporated, blend in vanilla extract and heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and pipeable. Add food coloring if you want to customize colors.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Using a piping bag or spatula, frost the cooled mini cupcakes. Add sprinkles or other fun toppings to give your creations that extra flair and charm. This is where your creativity shines!

How to Serve Mini Cupcakes Recipe

Mini Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple and colorful garnishes like sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips elevate the cupcakes visually and add delightful texture. Fresh fruit pieces or finely chopped nuts also make fantastic, tasty options.

Side Dishes

Serve your mini cupcakes alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream for a balanced dessert experience. A warm cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors and making your treat feel even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini cupcakes on tiered stands for an elegant display or place them in decorative boxes for gift-giving. You can even create themed cupcake platters for holidays or celebrations, matching frosting colors and toppings to the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your mini cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them moist and fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but may dry out the cupcakes—just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These mini cupcakes freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. Frozen mini cupcakes can be kept for up to three months, perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen mini cupcakes, thaw them overnight at room temperature. If you want a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting in perfect condition.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of flour for this Mini Cupcakes Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter crumb. Keep in mind it may slightly alter the structure of your cupcakes.

Is there a way to make these mini cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. For sour cream, try dairy-free yogurt or a similar tangy substitute. Adjustments might affect texture slightly but still result in delicious cupcakes.

How do I know when the mini cupcakes are done baking?

The easiest way is with the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are perfectly baked.

Can I use a different frosting for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or buttercream variations all work wonderfully. Just make sure the frosting consistency matches the mini size so it’s easy to pipe or spread.

What’s the best way to transport mini cupcakes for a party?

Use a cupcake carrier or a sturdy box with cupcake inserts to prevent shifting. Make sure they’re cooled and the frosting is set before transporting to keep them looking perfect.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyous about bite-sized treats that bring out smiles so easily, and this Mini Cupcakes Recipe truly delivers on that happiness. It’s a recipe that’s simple to follow, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a kitchen staple. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just indulging yourself, these mini cupcakes will fill your moments with sweetness and delight. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to little bites of joy!

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Mini Cupcakes Recipe


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4 from 74 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 36 mini cupcakes 1x

Description

These delightful Mini Cupcakes are perfect bite-sized treats for any occasion. Featuring a moist and tender crumb made from a classic vanilla batter, they are topped with a smooth and creamy buttercream frosting that can be customized with your favorite colors and sprinkles. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these mini cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser that’s both fun to make and enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles or other toppings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line mini muffin pans with mini cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients alternating with the sour cream and whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
  5. Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  6. Cool Cupcakes: Allow the mini cupcakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Add Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add food coloring if desired to customize the look.
  9. Decorate: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them using a piping bag or spatula. Add sprinkles or other toppings to complete the decoration and make the cupcakes festive.

Notes

  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added moisture.
  • If you want to make the cupcakes dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives, and adjust frosting accordingly.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
  • Use fresh ingredients and measure flour properly for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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