Mini Cupcakes
Mini cupcakes are the perfect little indulgence for any occasion. They’re bite-sized, adorable, and can be topped with a variety of frostings to cater to everyone’s taste. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just a sweet craving that needs to be satisfied, these delightful mini cupcakes are sure to impress. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! Let’s dive into this fun and delicious recipe that will leave you wanting more.
Why This Recipe Works
This mini cupcake recipe is designed to yield light, fluffy cupcakes that are bursting with flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a perfectly measured amount of butter creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The use of room temperature ingredients ensures that everything blends seamlessly, resulting in a batter that rises beautifully. The balance of sweet frosting complements the mild vanilla flavor of the cupcakes, making each bite a delightful experience.
Gather These Ingredients
To make these scrumptious mini cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (108g) all-purpose flour – Make sure to scoop and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder – This will help your cupcakes rise.
- 1/4 tsp salt – A little salt enhances all the flavors.
- 5 Tbsp (71g) unsalted butter – Bring to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 6 Tbsp (77g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter perfectly.
- 1 large egg – Also at room temperature for the best texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that sweet, aromatic flavor.
- 1/3 cup milk – Must be at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar – For frosting the cupcakes.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter – Room temperature for the frosting.
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream – This adds richness to your frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – To flavor the frosting.
- 1 pinch salt – Balances the sweetness.
Setup & Equipment
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – To beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mini cupcake pan – Essential for creating those adorable mini treats.
- Cupcake liners – Keeps the cupcakes from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
- Spatula – To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in ingredients.
Mini Cupcakes in Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Pan
Line your mini cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This not only makes for an easier cleanup but also adds a pop of color to your treats!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Step 8: Bake
Place the mini cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes
Once baked, remove the mini cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well. Then pour in the heavy cream, remaining vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the mini cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously using a spatula or a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Your delightful mini cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself.
Smart Substitutions
If you need to make some adjustments, here are a few substitutions you can consider:
- Gluten-free flour – Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Coconut oil – Use in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version.
- Almond milk – Substitute regular milk for a nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey – Can replace granulated sugar for a natural sweetener option.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making mini cupcakes, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter; this can make the cupcakes dense.
- Fill cupcake liners no more than 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your mini cupcakes fresh and delicious:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- For freezing, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container; they’ll last up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm or let them sit at room temperature before serving.
Quick Q&A
Can I make these mini cupcakes in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the mini cupcakes a day before your event. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What flavor variations can I try?
You can easily customize these mini cupcakes by adding cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or incorporating lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
How can I decorate my mini cupcakes?
Feel free to get creative! You can use sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh fruit to top your mini cupcakes. For a richer flavor, try adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients, and you’ll have enough mini cupcakes to share with everyone. Perfect for parties or gatherings!
If you’re looking for other quick and delicious recipes, check out these:
Final Thoughts
These mini cupcakes offer a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time. Their small size makes them the perfect dessert for sharing, while the rich flavor and fluffy texture make them irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Enjoy the process, share them with loved ones, and savor each mini bite!
Mini Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Pan: Line your mini cupcake pan with cupcake liners for easy cleanup.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners: Fill each liner 2/3 full with batter.
- Step 8: Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 10: Prepare the Frosting: Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes generously.
- Step 12: Enjoy: Serve your delightful mini cupcakes!
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don't overmix to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Fill the liners to avoid overflow during baking.
