The Ultimate All-Purpose Cupcake Recipe (+ Foolproof Buttercream Frosting)
Discover the ultimate all-purpose cupcake recipe that's simple, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Using a convenient all-purpose mix like Bisquick or Jiffy, this recipe yields moist, fluffy cupcakes with minimal effort. Whether you want classic vanilla or crave exciting variations like peanut butter, chocolate, lemon, or funfetti, this easy-to-follow recipe has you covered. Plus, pair your cupcakes with our foolproof buttercream frosting, customizable with delicious mix-ins for an extra special treat.
All Purpose Cupcakes - Makes 12
Ingredients:
- • 2 cups All Purpose Mix (can also use Bisquick or Jiffy)
- • ¾ cup sugar
- • ½ cup milk
- • ⅓ cup oil
- • 2 eggs
- • 1½ tsp vanilla
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin. Mix Bisquick and sugar. Whisk milk, oil, eggs, vanilla. Combine wet and dry until just mixed. Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18-20 min. Cool 5 min in pan, then on rack.
Variations:
- • Peanut Butter: Add ½ cup creamy PB (reduce oil to 3 Tbsp)
- • Chocolate: Add ⅓ cup cocoa
- • Lemon: Add 1 tbsp zest
- • Funfetti: Fold in ⅓ cup sprinkles
Tips:
- • Don't overmix batter
- • Room temp eggs work best
- • Cool completely before frosting
- • Store airtight 3 days
- • For PB version: Use natural or regular PB (not chunky)
Bonus combo: Make PB cupcakes + stuff with frozen chocolate ganache = Reese's-style cupcakes - or Jelly for PB+Jelly Cupcakes.
Easy Buttercream Frosting - Frosts 12 cupcakes
Ingredients:
- • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- • 2½ cups powdered sugar
- • 2-3 Tbsp milk or cream
- • 1 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Beat butter until fluffy (2 min). Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with milk. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add vanilla.
Variations:
- • Chocolate: Add ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- • Peanut Butter: Replace half the butter with PB
- • Cream Cheese: Use 4 oz cream cheese + 4 Tbsp butter
- • Lemon: Replace vanilla with lemon juice + 1 tsp zest
Tips:
- • Add more milk to thin, more sugar to thicken
- • Pipe or spread with offset spatula
- • Frosting keeps 1 week refrigerated
With this all-purpose cupcake recipe and adaptable buttercream frosting, you can quickly whip up a batch of delightful cupcakes tailored to your taste. From crowd-pleasing classics to creative flavors like Reese’s-style peanut butter and chocolate or tangy lemon, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite. Remember to follow the tips for the best results, and enjoy storing leftovers airtight for up to three days. Happy baking!
