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Cupcake Cake Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Easy Homemade Cupcake Cake


  • Author: Alyssa
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cupcake Cake is the perfect fusion of fun and function—combining individual cupcakes into a beautifully frosted centerpiece that looks like a traditional cake but pulls apart effortlessly. Ideal for birthdays, showers, or any festive occasion, it’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors and creative designs.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes (Vanilla Base):

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 ½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

34 cups powdered sugar

23 tbsp milk or cream

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)


Instructions

  • Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

  • Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with buttermilk. Stir until just combined.

  • Bake the Cupcakes: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Arrange the Cupcake Cake: Place cooled cupcakes on a large board or platter in your desired shape (number, heart, letter, etc.). Use toothpicks if needed for stability.

  • Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired.

  • Frost the Cake: Spread or pipe frosting across all cupcakes, blending them together to look like one cohesive cake. Smooth with an offset spatula.

  • Decorate and Serve: Add sprinkles or other edible decorations. Allow frosting to set slightly before serving. Guests can easily pull apart individual cupcakes to enjoy.

Notes

Alternate flavors: Use chocolate or lemon batter, or mix flavors across cupcakes.

Add fillings like jam or ganache to surprise guests.

Try cream cheese or Swiss meringue buttercream for a different flavor profile.

For extra moisture, brush cooled cupcakes with simple syrup before frosting.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cupcake cake, pull-apart cake, easy party dessert, kids birthday idea, cupcake decorating, DIY cupcake cake, vanilla cupcake cake