Our best-ever cupcake recipes

These fun-sized cakes are perfect for experimenting in the kitchen or satisfying a sweet craving

Gone in a couple of bites, cupcakes are the ultimate small indulgence. From basic vanilla to ultra-rich red velvet, these are the recipes you need to master.

Mary Berry's vanilla cupcakes with swirly icing

One of our most sought-after recipes, these enticing cupcakes have impressive two-tone icing. Once you’ve practiced your piping skills, have fun with different colours, patterned paper cases and sprinkles.

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Hummingbird Bakery red velvet cupcakes

These striking red velvet cupcakes from the famous London bakery are perfect for any occasion. The sponge is rich with a hint of chocolate, and the tart cream cheese frosting is the perfect contrast.

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Blueberry cupcakes

These light-as-air cupcakes have a fat-free angel food cake sponge and a juicy blueberry baked in their centre. Plus, the colourful icing has berries blended in for amazing flavour.

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READ MORE: Butter or Stork – which makes the best sponge?

Chocolate cupcakes

Get your chocolate fix with these cocoa-loaded treats. Once you’ve mastered the recipe, experiment with fresh cream, chocolate frosting, ganache or whatever takes your fancy.

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Honey and lemon cupcakes

Take honey and lemon cupcakes to the next level by giving them a sweet honey filling and topping them with a swirl of creamy buttercream. They look and taste like pure indulgence.

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Black Forest cupcakes

Try Black Forest gateau-inspired cupcakes for a sophisticated twist on the sweet treat. There's a lot of depth of flavour to them – they won't fail to impress.

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READ MORE: Genius baking hacks for perfect cakes

Vanilla cupcakes

If you’ve not got much baking experience, this is a great recipe to start with. These little cakes are great on their own with a dusting of icing sugar or as a blank canvas for playing with decorations or add-ins such as chocolate chips, spices and berries.

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Spiced pumpkin cupcakes

Nothing says comfort like spiced pumpkin and these delicious cupcakes are as warming as they get. Ready in 40 minutes, they're amazing fresh from the oven or leave them to cool, then deck them out in cinnamon, honey and orange icing.

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Summer berry cupcakes

From raspberries to blackcurrants, use your favourite berry to make this recipe. Even better, combine different types for cool contrasting colours and flavours.

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READ MORE: Fabulous and fruity summer cakes and desserts

Lemon cupcakes

These zingy cupcakes only call for six ingredients – and you may already have them in your kitchen. After they're baked, pour over a lemon syrup for a lemon drizzle-inspired treat.

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Eric Lanlard's chai cupcakes

This unusual cupcake recipe is worth a try. Chai spices work brilliantly against the backdrop of chocolate. Make sure you get good-quality chai mix and stick to the quantities listed, otherwise the flavour can be too strong.

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Kale and orange cupcakes

These kale cupcakes are loaded with vitamins and taste way better than they sound. The orange icing gives them a sweet, citrus finish while the vegetable gives them a deep, green colour.

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Lead image: Ekaterina Smirnova/Shutterstock