Cupcakes are perfectly-sized bites of cake, just right when you don’t feel like eating a whole slice but still want a little something sweet. I’ve rounded up my favorite easy cupcake recipes for times when you want to whip up a quick batch of treats. You’re sure to find something to please!

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Easy Cupcake Recipes You’ll Love

Cupcakes are one of my favorite desserts—everyone loves them, especially kids! You can dress them up with a pile of luscious fruit-flavored buttercream frosting like I do in these beautiful and delicious Easy Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes. Or add in cozy seasonal spices and pumpkin in my recipe for Easy Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes.

You’ll notice that the main theme here is “easy”! And whether you choose a batch of s’mores-inspired cupcakes or red velvet cupcakes, you’ll be able to put these recipes together without any fuss. Which means you’ll have more time to enjoy eating them!

1. Lemon Cupcakes

Bright bursts of lemon infuse every bite of these fluffy lemon cupcakes, which are so simple to make with a boxed cake mix. You’ll add lemon juice to the mix for flavor, and top the cupcakes with a lemony homemade buttercream frosting with, you guessed it, more lemon juice. These cupcakes are nice in springtime, but they’re so good you could serve them all year round!

Lemon Cupcakes
These are the easiest lemon cupcakes you will ever make. They are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
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2. Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

A fluffy lemon cake is toped with pretty in pink strawberry buttercream for a tasty and beautiful cupcake. I love the combination of sweet strawberry and tart lemon, and it works so well in this cupcake recipe!

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
With light, fluffy lemon cake and a strawberry buttercream frosting on top, these strawberry lemon cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 
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3. Coconut Cream Cupcakes with Homemade Buttercream Frosting

Take coconut cake and add more coconut! If you love coconut, you will love these coconut-infused cupcakes. It’s so easy to make this recipe since you’ll use a cake mix as your base and then toss in some add-ins. Homemade buttercream frosting topped with shredded coconut will delight coconut fans of all ages.

Coconut Cream Cupcakes with Homemade Buttercream Frosting
Coconut Cream Cupcakes with Homemade Buttercream Frosting
Check out these semi-homemade Coconut Cream Cupcakes! Made from a doctored up cake mix and topped with homemade buttercream frosting…easy AND delicious!
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4. Lemon Drop Cupcakes

Here’s a simple from-scratch recipe for cupcakes that’s inspired by the Lemon Drop Martini! You don’t have to serve a martini with your cupcakes, but I highly recommend it! Lots of bright lemon flavor is the standout in this recipe.

This Lemon Drop Cupcake, inspired by a Lemon Drop Martini, is light, refreshing and can be made with or without alcohol. It's up to you!
Lemon Drop Cupcakes
Check out this easy Lemon Drop Cupcake recipe that is made from scratch inspired by the Lemon Drop Martini. Be sure to make a Lemon Drop Martini to go along with it! You’re gonna love it!
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5. Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic carrot cake is always a winner, and I love to bake carrot cake into cupcakes. This is another easy from-scratch recipe that’s full of carrots and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle each cupcake with toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Guaranteed to be moist and delicious, this homemade from scratch Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is sure to be a winner!
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6. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cupcakes are so simple to make you’ll probably never buy them from a bakery again! I love how the buttermilk in the cake recipe keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy, and they have an absolutely irresistible cream cheese frosting on top. This recipe makes 24 cupcakes so they’re perfect for sharing or bringing to a class party.

Red-Velvet Cupcakes
Red Velvet Cupcakes
The Very Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe! These cupcakes are so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the bakery!
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7. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Pumpkin desserts are a must during the fall months, and this recipe for pumpkin spice cupcakes is beyond perfect for the season. I top the cupcakes with a decadent cream cheese frosting—pumpkin and cream cheese just go so well together!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
This recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting couldn't be easier! I have a shortcut that makes them a cinch to whip up.
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8. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting

Another version of pumpkin cupcakes, this easy cupcake recipe is topped with a delicious whipped cream cheese frosting that’s full of warming fall spices.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting
A delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting that is perfect for Autumn!
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9. S’mores Cupcakes

Who says s’mores should be saved just for camping? When you make these s’mores cupcakes you can enjoy the fun of s’mores anytime you want, no campfire required. Dark chocolate cupcakes—made from a box mix for easy prep—are baked on a graham cracker crust and topped with a marshmallow cream frosting for all the familiar s’mores flavors you love.

delicious s'mores cupcakes
S’mores Cupcakes
You're going to love the taste of these S'mores cupcakes!
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10. Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes

I love to serve these chocolate cupcakes topped with candy canes around the holidays! The contrast of the rich chocolate and cool crunchy peppermint candy is amazing, and these will disappear quickly at holiday parties! You’ll use a box cake mix plus homemade frosting to make this special recipe.

Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes
Using a doctored up box mix and homemade frosting makes this a simple AND delicious Christmas Treat!
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Cupcake Recipe FAQs

What temperature should cupcakes be baked at?

Cupcakes should generally be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but this depends on the recipe you’re making. It’s always best to follow the recipe instructions!

What is the secret to moist cupcakes?

Moisture is key for a delicious cupcake! To keep your cupcakes moist, be sure to use the right ingredients and avoid overbaking them. Also, adding some extra fat (such as oil or butter) to the recipe can help create a moister cupcake.

What type of frosting should I use for cupcakes?

The type of frosting you use for cupcakes will depend on the flavor and style you’re aiming to achieve. For a classic look, go with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Other popular options include ganache, meringue, and fondant. Whichever type of frosting you choose, make sure it pairs well with the flavors in your cupcakes!

Are cupcakes better when made from scratch or from a box mix?

The answer to this depends on personal preference and time constraints. If you have more time and want complete control over ingredients, making cupcakes from scratch can yield great results. However, if you’re short on time and want an easy way to make cupcakes, box mixes are a great option. Or try a doctored cake mix for the best of both worlds!

What is the shelf-life of cupcakes?

The shelf life of cupcakes will vary depending on the type of frosting they have. Unfrosted cupcakes can last up to 3 days at room temperature, while those with a buttercream or cream cheese frosting can last up to 5 days. If you’d like your cupcakes to last longer, try storing them in the fridge.

Can cupcakes be frozen?

Yes, cupcakes can definitely be frozen! To freeze your cupcakes, let them cool completely and then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your cupcakes, allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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