It was in my grandmother’s kitchen where I first fell in love with baking. The aroma of freshly baked goods was a constant, enveloping hug every time we visited her. Her cupcakes with cream cheese frosting were the crown jewel among all her legendary desserts. They were more than just a dessert; they symbolized love, warmth, and the joy of sharing. Inspired by her, I’ve spent years perfecting my version of this classic recipe, tweaking and adjusting until I found the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and that undeniable homemade charm.
Table of Contents
How to make Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are delightful baked treats that consist of a moist cupcake base topped with a rich and creamy frosting made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and often a splash of vanilla extract.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
for Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt (optional to balance the sweetness)
Tools Needed:
Cupcake tin
Cupcake liners
Electric mixer (stand or hand)
Piping bag with a nozzle of your choice (if you want to be fancy)
Cooling rack
Instructions:
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed, gradually pouring in the milk until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them two-thirds of the way full.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Use a clean bowl for the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if using), beating until everything is well combined.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, fill the piping bag with your cream cheese frosting and pipe it onto the cupcakes in a swirl motion. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can spread the frosting on with a knife or spoon.
Decorate with sprinkles, edible pearls, or leave as is for an elegant and classic look.
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and frosting.
Quality Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Only mix the batter until the ingredients are combined to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Sift the Powdered Sugar: This removes any lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come back to room temperature before serving for the optimal taste and texture.
What to serve with
Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are versatile delights that can be served on many occasions, ranging from casual gatherings to more formal events. When thinking about what to serve with these cupcakes, consider the setting, the time of day, and the tastes of your guests.
1. Beverages:
Coffee and Tea: A classic pair, these beverages complement the sweetness of the Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting well. Offer a variety of teas and coffee roasts to cater to different preferences. A rich espresso or a light, fragrant tea can balance the creaminess of the frosting.
Milk: For a nostalgic twist, serve cold milk with the cupcakes. This is especially popular with children and offers a simple, comforting complement to the sweet treat.
Sparkling Water or Champagne: For a more celebratory occasion, champagne or sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cupcake.
2. Fruit:
Fresh Berries: A bowl of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, can add a refreshing and slightly tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cupcakes. They’re also visually appealing and can double as a decorative element.
Fruit Salad: A light, citrusy fruit salad with mint can cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing counterpart to the cupcakes.
3. Savory Snacks:
Cheese Platter: For a more sophisticated gathering, consider serving a cheese platter with various cheeses, from brie to aged cheddar, along with crackers—the savory flavors of the cheese pair well with the cream cheese frosting.
Finger Sandwiches: Offer an assortment of mini finger sandwiches with various fillings – cucumber, smoked salmon, ham and cheese for a tea party vibe that complements cupcakes beautifully.
4. Other Sweets:
Chocolate: A selection of chocolates, ranging from dark to milk or even flavored varieties, can be a wonderful addition. Chocolate and cream cheese frosting have a delightful contrast that many enjoy.
Mini Desserts: Small dessert items like macarons, tartlets, or chocolate truffles offer variety and ensure that all guests find something to their taste.
5. Ice Cream:
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or on top of the cupcakes. The ice cream melting into the cupcake creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Sorbet: A light sorbet (lemon or raspberry) can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing note for a dairy-free alternative.
Ingredients Substitutes
When baking cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, you might need ingredient substitutes due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you’ve run out of something.
Gluten-Free: Replace with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Be mindful that the texture might vary slightly.
Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour for a denser, healthier alternative, but it’s best to only replace half of the all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture.
Sugar:
Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute with 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for each cup of sugar. Note that this will alter the flavor and moisture content.
Coconut Sugar: Replace with an equal amount for a less processed alternative with a caramel-like taste.
Butter:
Margarine: Often a direct substitute, margarine can be used in the same quantities.
Oil: Vegetable or canola oil can be slightly reduced—about 3/4 cup of oil for every 1 cup of butter.
Eggs:
Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg for a lighter, moister cupcake.
Flaxseed: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for a few minutes to gel, then use in place of one egg.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream Cheese:
Neufchatel: This cheese has a lower fat content but works almost identically to regular cream cheese.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Cream Cheese: Available in most health food stores, it can be used in equal amounts.
Butter:
Vegan Butter: Substitute for a non-dairy version one-for-one if making a vegan or dairy-free frosting.
Margarine: Use in equal measure, but it may alter the taste slightly.
Powdered Sugar:
DIY Powdered Sugar: Pulse granulated sugar in a food processor or blender until fine.
Lower Sugar: Use a powdered sugar substitute like Swerve Confectioners for a sugar-free option.
Vanilla Extract:
Almond Extract: Use half as much almond extract for an alternative flavor.
Vanilla Bean Paste: If you want specks of vanilla and a stronger flavor, use the paste in a one-to-one ratio.
Final Thoughts
With these notes, your venture into the world of Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting should not only be rewarding but also joyously delicious. Enjoy your creation!
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
for Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt (optional to balance the sweetness)
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed, gradually pouring in the milk until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them two-thirds of the way full.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Use a clean bowl for the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if using), beating until everything is well combined.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, fill the piping bag with your cream cheese frosting and pipe it onto the cupcakes in a swirl motion. If you don't have a piping bag, you can spread the frosting on with a knife or spoon.
Decorate with sprinkles, edible pearls, or leave as is for an elegant and classic look.
From experimenting with rich flavors to tweaking traditional recipes to fit a low-carb profile, I've made it my mission to show that keto eating can be both nutritious and delicious. My blog is a testament to my love for writing and my commitment to inspiring others to embrace a life of wellness without sacrificing their love for great food.
