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
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
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 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