Cake cups recipe, oh, where do I even begin? These delightful little morsels are not just desserts; they’re a burst of happiness, a tiny celebration in every bite. This cake cups recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was the first recipe both my kids helped me with making, and the joy on their faces as they decorated each cup was absolutely priceless. What started as a simple baking session quickly evolved into a cherished family tradition. That alone makes this cake cups recipe one of my absolute favorites!
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Why You Will Love This cake cups recipe Recipe
These individual cake cups are more than just a sweet treat! They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for little hands, and always a crowd pleaser. As a seasoned home chef, I appreciate recipes that bring joy without a ton of fuss, and these cake cups deliver on that promise. Whether you need an easy party desserts option or a comforting make-ahead dessert, this recipe has you covered.
These cake cups are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, allowing you to prep everything in advance and enjoy the party stress-free. Plus, they are so moist and flavorful, thanks to a few secret ingredients I will share with you. The best part? They’re completely customizable! You can use any cake flavor and frosting you like, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed for This cake cups recipe Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable, crowd pleasing cake cups:
*For the Cake:*
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
*For the Frosting:*
- 1 container (12-16 oz) frosting (any flavor)
*For the Toppings (optional):*
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
- Crushed cookies
How to Make This cake cups recipe Recipe
Ready to create some magic? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have the perfect cake cups in no time:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined.
- 3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- 4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 5. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting.
- 6. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or any toppings you desire. Get creative and have fun with it!
- 7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
By the way, if you love apple treats, be sure to check out my Irish Apple Cake Recipe. You will love it!
How to Serve This cake cups recipe Recipe
These cake cups are incredibly versatile! Serve them chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for kids party dessert, birthdays, potlucks, or just a sweet treat after dinner. Consider pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a side of fresh fruit for a more complete dessert experience. For a fun twist, set up a cake cup decorating station at your next party and let everyone customize their own!
If you happen to be in the mood for a hearty meal before dessert, you could also check out my Guinness Beef Stew Recipe!
How to Store This cake cups recipe Recipe
To maintain their delightful flavor and texture, store your cake cups properly:
- *Refrigeration Instructions*: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- *Freezing Guidelines*: For longer storage, freeze the un-frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
- *Reheating Tips*: If frozen, allow the cupcakes to thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying.
- *Shelf Life Information*: At room temperature, these cake cups are best consumed within 1-2 days.
Tips to Make This cake cups recipe Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your cake cups turn out perfect every time:
- *Ingredient Swaps*: For a healthier option, use applesauce in place of some of the oil.
- *Success Tips*: Don’t overfill the cupcake liners to prevent overflowing.
- *Common Mistakes to Avoid*: Make sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- *Pro Tips for Best Results*: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Helpful Notes for This cake cups recipe Recipe
A few extra things to keep in mind:
- Cake mix brands vary, so follow the box instructions as a guide.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations for both the cake and the frosting.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Variation of This cake cups recipe Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- *Seasonal Twists*: Add pumpkin spice to the batter in the fall, or peppermint extract during the holidays.
- *Optional Versions*: Make chocolate cake cups and top them with a rich chocolate ganache.
- *Creative Modifications*: Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option, or add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
Another dessert you might like is my Black Forest Poke Cake.
What ingredients do I need for a basic cake cup recipe?
A basic cake cup recipe requires cake mix (or ingredients for homemade cake), frosting, sprinkles, and cupcake liners. You can customize it with different flavors, toppings, and fillings.
How do I keep my cake cups from drying out?
To prevent dryness, avoid overbaking and use a moist cake recipe. After baking, let the cake cups cool completely before frosting and storing them in an airtight container.
Can I use store-bought frosting for cake cups?
Yes, store-bought frosting is perfectly acceptable and convenient for cake cups. You can also make your own buttercream or cream cheese frosting if you prefer a homemade option.
How far in advance can I make cake cups?
Cake cups can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the frosting used. Frost only shortly before serving.
Conclusion
So there you have it my friends, a delightful cake cups recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for any occasion, easy to customize, and always a crowd pleaser. Take this simple cake cups recipe for a spin! I know you will come to love it like I do. Don’t hesitate to share your comments and questions below!
Cake Cups Recipe: Easy Party Desserts Kids LOVE!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Easy and delicious cake cups recipe, perfect for parties, kids, or a simple dessert treat. Customizable with your favorite cake and frosting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)n1 cup watern1/2 cup vegetable oiln3 large eggsn1 container (12–16 oz) frosting (any flavor)nSprinkles (optional)nChocolate shavings (optional)nFresh berries (optional)nCrushed cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.nIn a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined.nPour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.nBake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.nFrost with your favorite frosting and decorate as desired.nServe immediately or store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
