Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

Craving the iconic, ultra-moist, and perfectly sweet cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery? You’re in for a treat, because I’m about to share a Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes recipe that will have you feeling like you’re in New York City, indulging in one of their famous, melt-in-your-mouth treats. These cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert – light, fluffy, and topped with the creamiest buttercream frosting. You’re going to fall in love with these cupcakes, trust me. Ready to get baking?

Why You’ll Love Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

• Classic Magnolia Flavor: These cupcakes taste just like the ones you know and love from Magnolia Bakery. They’re sweet, airy, and perfect for any occasion.
• Perfectly Fluffy Texture: The secret to these cupcakes is the super light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Creamy Buttercream Frosting: The frosting is smooth, creamy, and oh-so-sweet. It’s the perfect complement to the soft cake.
• Easy to Make: No need to head to the bakery—this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can dress them up with different frosting colors, sprinkles, or even some fun toppings to make them your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the magic of Magnolia Bakery’s cupcakes at home:

For the Cupcakes:

• All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cupcakes their structure and soft crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise, making them light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
• Eggs: These help bind the batter and create a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that classic warm, sweet vanilla flavor that makes these cupcakes so irresistible.
• Whole Milk: The milk ensures the batter is the right consistency, creating that tender crumb.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for that smooth, creamy frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its sweetness and helps it hold its shape.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for a perfect buttercream flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds the perfect amount of richness and helps thin the frosting to the right consistency.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake these iconic cupcakes? Let’s get started:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners, so your cupcakes don’t stick and have that bakery-ready look.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that perfect texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The cupcakes should be golden and spring back when gently touched.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Buttercream Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
10. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously pipe or spread the buttercream frosting on top. You can use a piping bag with your favorite tip to create beautiful swirls.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Top with sprinkles, colored sugar, or even edible flowers for a fun and festive touch. Then, dig in and enjoy your homemade Magnolia Bakery cupcakes!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 44g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a simple afternoon treat. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These cupcakes pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• As a Dessert for a Celebration: Serve them at your next party or gathering. They’re perfect for any celebration and will impress your guests.
• Topped with Fresh Fruit: Add a fresh touch by topping each cupcake with a strawberry, raspberry, or even a slice of lemon for a citrusy burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps everything mix together more easily and creates a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a light, airy texture.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding some lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor.
• Make it Fun: Feel free to decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more indulgent touch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different frosting for these cupcakes?
A1: Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or any other frosting you love. Just make sure to balance the sweetness with the cupcake flavor.

Q2: Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q3: How should I store leftover cupcakes?
A3: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them and frost them fresh.

Q5: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Just make sure to check the texture while mixing to ensure a smooth batter.

Q6: Can I make mini versions of these cupcakes?
A6: Absolutely! For mini cupcakes, bake them for about 12-15 minutes, and check with a toothpick to make sure they’re done.

Q7: Can I add fillings to the cupcakes?
A7: Yes! You can fill them with fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream for an extra surprise inside.

Q8: Can I make the frosting a different color?
A8: Definitely! Just add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting until you reach the desired shade.

Q9: How do I pipe the frosting like Magnolia Bakery?
A9: Use a large star-shaped piping tip for that signature swirl look. Start in the center and work your way out, creating a layered swirl.

Q10: How do I make the frosting less sweet?
A10: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the powdered sugar by about 1/4 cup and add a little extra heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

With this Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes recipe, you can bring the bakery straight into your kitchen. These cupcakes are soft, flavorful, and topped with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth buttercream frosting that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are the perfect choice. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—you’ll be their hero when you serve these beauties! Happy baking!

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