Cupcakes come in every flavor and style imaginable, offering a simple way to bring big dessert energy in a compact package. This collection spans fruity, rich, spiced, and creative combinations—each with its own texture and finish, from buttercream swirls to gooey fillings. You’ll find recipes inspired by classic desserts like tiramisu and banana pudding, alongside fresh takes with ingredients like black cocoa, champagne, and maple buttercream. Whether you’re planning a party or just want a variety of flavors to try, this mix covers everything from playful to decadent, all in cupcake form.

Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Banana Pudding Cupcakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A banana cake base is filled or topped with pudding and often layered with vanilla wafers. The flavor is rich and nostalgic with a soft, creamy finish. Whipped cream or a meringue-style topping adds height. A fun twist on the classic Southern dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These bake up moist and rich with deep cocoa flavor. The crumb is soft, and the tops hold buttercream or ganache well. You can keep it simple or dress them up with fillings or toppings. A staple dessert that’s always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cupcakes

Cherry Cupcakes

Cherry Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

Made with maraschino or fresh cherries, these cupcakes are sweet and slightly tart. The color is naturally pinkish, and they often get topped with cherry-flavored frosting or whipped cream. A single cherry on top makes them instantly eye-catching. Great for celebrations or themed events.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cupcakes

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Tiramisu Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These coffee-soaked cupcakes are filled with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder. The flavor mimics the layered dessert with a lighter texture. Best served chilled. Great for those who like desserts with a bit of coffee flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Cupcakes

Spiced Apple Cupcakes

Spiced Apple Cupcakes. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

These cupcakes bring cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple together for a warm, cozy flavor. The cake is soft with a tight crumb and sometimes studded with apple bits. Cream cheese or caramel frosting pairs well. Perfect for cool-weather baking.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

These spiced cupcakes bake up moist and flavorful with pumpkin purée in the batter. Cream cheese or maple frosting pairs well with the warm flavors. The texture stays soft for days. Great for fall baking or anytime you want something cozy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Frosted and unfrosted apple cupcakes in a muffin tin.
Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Grated apple adds moisture and sweetness to the cake, while the maple buttercream brings a warm, fall-inspired finish. The cupcakes are soft with bits of fruit throughout. The frosting is rich but not too heavy. They taste just as good as they smell.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes

A group of black cupcakes decorated with black frosting.
Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These ultra-dark cupcakes use black cocoa for a deeper, almost Oreo-like flavor. The result is dramatic in color and taste. Pair with vanilla or peanut butter frosting for contrast. A bold option for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Kitchen Sink Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Kitchen Sink Cupcakes. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These cupcakes are packed with chocolate, peanut butter, and extras like pretzels, candy, or toffee bits. The texture is dense and loaded with flavor. Topped with rich frosting and more mix-ins, they’re a full dessert in one bite. Best for serious sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Kitchen Sink Cupcakes

Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Champagne in the batter or frosting adds a subtle sparkle and flavor, while strawberry brings fruitiness. The combination feels light and slightly floral. The cupcakes are often topped with fresh berries or shimmering sugar. A favorite for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

A light lemon cupcake gets filled with curd and topped with a toasted meringue swirl. The textures range from airy to gooey to crisp. The lemon flavor keeps it from being too sweet. These are best served freshly torched.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Bright lemon cake and tangy cream cheese frosting make these cupcakes pop with flavor. The crumb is light, and the frosting is rich without being too dense. Some versions include lemon zest or a touch of extract in the frosting. Great for citrus fans.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Cotton Candy Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bright in color and topped with cotton candy-flavored frosting, these cupcakes are fun and sweet. The base is often a pastel vanilla or dyed batter. Topped with sprinkles or spun sugar for a playful finish. A favorite for themed parties or kids’ events.
Get the Recipe: Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These cupcakes are filled with a spiced apple mixture and topped with cinnamon frosting or a small pastry garnish. The cake itself is simple and lets the filling shine. Each bite feels like pie and cake combined. A good choice for fall or holiday menus.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Oreo Cookie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chocolate or vanilla cupcakes baked with Oreo crumbs and topped with cookie-infused frosting. A whole cookie at the bottom or top adds crunch. The flavor is sweet and familiar. Popular with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cookie Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Cupcakes. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Grated carrot, spices, and sometimes nuts or pineapple make these cupcakes dense and moist. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they’re rich but balanced. The texture is soft with plenty of flavor. A classic done in handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Churro Cupcakes

Churro Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A cinnamon-sugar cake base is topped with vanilla or cinnamon buttercream and dusted with more sugar. Some versions include dulce de leche or a piped churro stick on top. The texture mimics the fried treat while staying fluffy.
Get the Recipe: Churro Cupcakes

Andes Mint Cupcakes

Andes Mint Cupcakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chocolate cake meets cool mint in this sweet combo topped with mint buttercream and chopped Andes candies. The flavor is balanced and bold, perfect for fans of chocolate-mint. The cupcakes stay moist, and the toppings add crunch. Best served chilled or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Andes Mint Cupcakes

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About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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