Everything You Need To Know About Making Cupcakes

One of the best things about cupcakes is the fact that it's literally a mini cake. You can actually make any cake recipe into a cupcake recipe with a few tweaks to make it smaller. 

However, there are a few tips and tricks you need to keep in mind so you can bake the most perfect batch of cupcakes of your baking life: 

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1 Preheat your oven but be ready to adjust. 

When it comes to cupcakes, the desired cupcakes need to be flat on top so putting on the frosting on top of each one is easier. The common baking temperature for baking cakes and cupcakes is usually 350 degrees F (approximately 177 degrees C).

If you use an oven thermometer and you still find that your first batch of cupcakes has domed on top, your oven temperature is probably too hot. Lower the temperature to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C) and bake the next batch of cupcakes for a little longer, around 5 to 10 more minutes. Use a cake tester or a toothpick to check doneness of each cupcake before taking out the tray from the oven. 

Photo by Riell Santos

2 Always use cupcake liners. 

Don't underestimate the value of the humble cupcake liner. Lining your cupcake tray with cupcake liners prevents any of the batter from sticking to the cupcake tray. Even if the cupcake batter will result in perfectly moist mini cakes, sticking to the tray is still a very real possibility and for anyone who is going to give these away or serving these for a party, cupcake liners will guarantee it looks as presentable as possible. 

Photo by Patrick Martires

3 Measure the batter. 

The best way to make sure that your cupcakes bake as evenly possible is by using a scoop or measuring cup when filling the cupcake liners. Remember to level off each scoop before transferring the batter into each cupcake liner so each time you deposit the batter, the amount is the same. 

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4 Rotate. 

Once your cupcakes are in the oven and baking, check your timer so you know when to rotate the cupcake tray. Rotating ensures that the cupcakes not only bake as evenly as possible, it will also ensure that the tops are evenly browned, too. 

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5 Check the doneness of each cupcake. 

It may be a hassle but you need to check each cupcake for doneness. Use a toothpick or cake tester and poke each cupcake in the center of the cupcakes. If all testers emerge cleanly, you're ready to take the tray out. If not, return the tray to the oven and bake it for another 5 minutes.  

6 Cool completely. 

Don't be impatient because if have ever tried to frost cupcakes that are less than completely cooled, that butter-based frosting will melt. Even the slightest melting will mean that your frosting may slide right off the cupcake, so resist and let those cupcakes cool off completely, down to its center, before grabbing that icing bag or spatula. 

Cupcakes don't need to be perfect but trying to bake it as perfect as you can make it is possible. Take some time to heed these tips and tricks, and you are just a recipe away from baking it. 

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