12 Delicious King Cake Cupcakes Recipes

Now, who says you can’t enjoy the festive flavors of Mardi Gras all year round? Our roundup of 12 Delicious King Cake Cupcakes Recipes brings the party to your kitchen with a twist on the classic treat. Perfect for home cooks looking to spice up their baking game, these cupcakes promise a bite-sized celebration in every bite. Dive in and discover your next favorite recipe!

Classic King Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Just in time for Mardi Gras, these Classic King Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen. Perfect for beginners, this recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• A couple of large eggs
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup of butter, softened
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• A few drops of purple, green, and yellow food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
8. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
10. Divide the frosting into three bowls and tint each with purple, green, and yellow food coloring.
11. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, alternating colors for a festive look.

Absolutely delightful, these cupcakes boast a moist crumb and a tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness. Serve them on a colorful platter to mimic the traditional King Cake’s vibrant hues for an extra festive touch.

New Orleans Style King Cake Cupcakes

Unveiling the magic of Mardi Gras in a bite-sized treat, these New Orleans Style King Cake Cupcakes bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen. Perfect for beginners, this recipe breaks down the process into simple, foolproof steps.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• A cup of granulated sugar
• A couple of eggs
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of milk
• A handful of colored sprinkles for that festive touch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can help avoid lumps for a smoother batter.
4. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Tip: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
9. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating with a generous sprinkle of colored sprinkles.

Absolutely delightful, these cupcakes boast a moist, fluffy texture with a warm cinnamon flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet vanilla. Serve them at your next gathering with a side of coffee for a true taste of New Orleans.

Easy King Cake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Swirl

Making these Easy King Cake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Swirl is a delightful way to bring a taste of Mardi Gras into your kitchen, no matter the season. Let’s dive into the process with clear, easy-to-follow steps that ensure delicious results every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of milk
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• A couple of drops of green, yellow, and purple food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar to create the swirl filling.
5. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter, then sprinkle a teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter.
6. Divide the remaining batter among the liners, covering the cinnamon swirl. Add another layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and swirl again.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cupcakes cool, mix the food coloring with a little water to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cupcakes for a festive touch.

Craving something sweet yet subtly spiced? These cupcakes offer a moist, fluffy texture with a warm cinnamon swirl that’s perfectly balanced. Serve them at your next gathering with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

Vegan King Cake Cupcakes with Almond Frosting

Here’s a delightful twist on a Mardi Gras classic that’s perfect for any occasion. These Vegan King Cake Cupcakes with Almond Frosting are not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy to make, even for beginners.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• a cup of almond milk
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
• a couple of teaspoons of baking powder
• a splash of vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for the frosting
• a tablespoon of almond extract for the frosting
• a couple of tablespoons of water to adjust frosting consistency

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Tip: Use an ice cream scoop for even portions.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
6. While the cupcakes cool, mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water in a bowl until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
7. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the almond frosting.

Unbelievably moist and fragrant, these cupcakes offer a tender crumb with a rich almond flavor. Serve them at your next gathering with a dusting of purple, green, and gold sugars for a festive touch.

Gluten-Free King Cake Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Zesty and inviting, these Gluten-Free King Cake Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting are a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras dessert, perfect for beginners to tackle with confidence.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• A splash of lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• A couple of drops of yellow, green, and purple food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
4. Alternately add the gluten-free flour blend and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sinking.
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and scraped vanilla bean seeds until stiff peaks form.
9. Divide the frosting into three bowls and tint each with yellow, green, and purple food coloring.
10. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a decorative pattern. Tip: Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look.
11. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Tip: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with colored sugar.

Deliciously moist and fluffy, these cupcakes boast a rich vanilla flavor with a hint of lemon, making them a hit at any gathering. Try serving them on a colorful platter to mimic the vibrant hues of Mardi Gras.

King Cake Cupcakes with Pecan Praline Topping

Creating these King Cake Cupcakes with Pecan Praline Topping is a delightful way to bring a taste of Mardi Gras into your kitchen, no matter the season. Let’s dive into the process with ease and confidence.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of buttermilk
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• A couple of tbsp of heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
7. While the cupcakes cool, make the praline topping by combining the pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Drizzle the warm praline topping over the cooled cupcakes. Tip: For a smoother drizzle, let the topping cool slightly before applying.

These cupcakes boast a moist, tender crumb with a rich, nutty topping that’s irresistibly sweet. Serve them at your next gathering with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Chocolate King Cake Cupcakes with Mocha Frosting

Here’s how to whip up these indulgent Chocolate King Cake Cupcakes with Mocha Frosting, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet with a twist. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of baking soda
• 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar
• For the frosting: 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, a couple of tbsp of strong brewed coffee, cooled, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Add the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, water, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
5. While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, coffee, and cocoa powder, beating until smooth. Tip: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of coffee at a time until desired consistency.
6. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the mocha frosting.

Fluffy and rich, these cupcakes offer a delightful contrast between the moist chocolate base and the creamy mocha frosting. Serve them at your next gathering with a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

King Cake Cupcakes with Bourbon Glaze

Gather around, baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of King Cake Cupcakes with Bourbon Glaze, a twist on the Mardi Gras classic that’s perfect for any celebration. These cupcakes combine the festive flavors of traditional king cake with the rich, warm notes of bourbon, all in a convenient, handheld treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of bourbon
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• A splash of heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternately add the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt) and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
6. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, sprinkle a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture, then cover with more batter until 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
8. While the cupcakes cool, whisk together the bourbon, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth for the glaze.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cupcakes. Tip: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more cream.
10. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. Tip: Add colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Bursting with the warm spices of cinnamon and the bold flavor of bourbon, these cupcakes offer a moist, tender crumb with a sweet, slightly boozy glaze. Serve them at your next gathering with a side of coffee or a glass of milk to balance the richness.

Mini King Cake Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze

Kickstart your baking adventure with these delightful Mini King Cake Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze, perfect for bringing a taste of Mardi Gras to your kitchen any day of the year. Follow these simple steps to create a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• A couple of eggs
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of milk
• For the glaze: 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, and a zest of lemon for that extra tang

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a mini cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to ensure your cupcakes are perfectly fluffy.
3. Cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, a key step for a tender crumb.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract for that classic bakery aroma.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, to avoid overmixing.
6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the cupcakes cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest for a glaze that’s both sweet and zesty.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cupcakes, letting it drip down the sides for that irresistible look.

Enjoy these mini cupcakes with their soft, cakey texture and bright lemon glaze that cuts through the sweetness. Serve them on a colorful platter for a festive touch or pack them in a box for a sweet surprise.

King Cake Cupcakes with Raspberry Filling

Perfect for those who adore the festive flavors of Mardi Gras but want a simpler, individual-sized treat, these King Cake Cupcakes with Raspberry Filling bring the party to your palate without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of raspberry jam
• A splash of heavy cream
• A couple of drops of purple, green, and yellow food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely, then use a small spoon to scoop out a bit of the center from each.
8. Fill each hollow with a teaspoon of raspberry jam.
9. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then divide into three bowls and tint each with a different food coloring.
10. Pipe the colored creams onto the cupcakes in a decorative pattern to mimic the traditional King Cake colors.

These cupcakes boast a tender crumb that gives way to a burst of raspberry, while the lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a festive touch. Serve them on a vibrant platter to really highlight their Mardi Gras colors, or dust with a little powdered sugar for an extra hint of sweetness.

Spiced King Cake Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Unveiling a twist on a Mardi Gras classic, these Spiced King Cake Cupcakes with Maple Frosting bring the festive flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for beginners, this recipe breaks down each step to ensure your cupcakes are as joyful to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
• A splash of heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cupcakes cool, beat the cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth, then add a splash of heavy cream to reach your desired frosting consistency.
9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the maple frosting.

Expect a moist, spiced cupcake that pairs beautifully with the creamy, maple-infused frosting. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with colored sugar or serve alongside a hot cup of coffee.

King Cake Cupcakes with Candied Pecans and Caramel Drizzle

Making King Cake Cupcakes with Candied Pecans and Caramel Drizzle is a delightful way to bring the festive flavors of Mardi Gras into your kitchen, no matter the season. Let’s break down the process into simple, manageable steps to ensure your cupcakes are as joyful to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup of buttermilk
• A couple of drops of purple, green, and yellow food coloring
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• A drizzle of caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
6. Divide the batter into three bowls. Color one purple, one green, and leave the third yellow.
7. Layer the colored batters into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Tip: Use a spoon to gently spread each layer for distinct colors.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. While the cupcakes cool, toast the pecans with brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.
10. Once cooled, top each cupcake with candied pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Fluffy, moist, and bursting with color, these cupcakes offer a playful twist on the traditional King Cake. Serve them at your next gathering to add a touch of New Orleans charm, or enjoy them as a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Conclusion

Ready to sweeten your Mardi Gras? This roundup of 12 Delicious King Cake Cupcakes Recipes offers a festive twist on tradition, perfect for home cooks looking to celebrate in style. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, there’s a recipe here to delight. Don’t forget to share your favorite in the comments and pin the ones you love on Pinterest. Happy baking!