When you need homemade cupcakes for a small celebration or birthday but don’t want to bake a full batch, these Small Batch Cupcakes are the perfect solution! Ranging from classics like chocolate and vanilla to more fun flavors like coconut and banana, these 15+ small batch cupcake recipes make 6-8 cupcakes, which are ideal for small households.


Small Batch Cupcake Recipes (Dessert For Two)
Have you ever found yourself wanting to bake cupcakes for someone’s birthday but there’s only two of you?

Or perhaps you’re like me where your family including yourself is only 4 people and making a dozen cupcakes is still too many to eat.

If this all sounds too familiar, then these Small Batch Cupcakes are for you!

I’ve been developing dessert for two for YEARS so I have tons of experience making both 6 inch cakes and half dozen cupcakes.

Of course I have classics like small batch chocolate cupcakes and small batch vanilla cupcakes then I have more fun flavors like banana cupcakes that uses only one banana and coconut cupcakes made with coconut milk.

Right now I have over 15 small batch cupcake recipes to share, although I’ll be adding to the list throughout the year.

All of these homemade cupcakes are made from scratch without a box mix. They use basic pantry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs.

And because they’re small batch cupcakes, you won’t have to throw away stale cake! Eat one (or two) for dessert now then eat another one (or two) for breakfast.

Pair them with one of my small batch frosting recipes to help reduce food waste even more.


Unwrapped Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Before we get to the cupcake recipes (which are at the bottom if you want to scroll past this part), let’s talk about some of the frequently asked questions I get a lot:

Why are my cupcakes overflowing?

The most challenging part about baking small batch cupcakes is making sure you don’t overfill (or underfill) the paper liners before baking.

Too much batter and they’ll overflow, flatten, and sometimes even sink in the middle after cooling.

Too little batter and they won’t rise to the top of the liner.

What I do is measure a one big scoop using my #40 cookie scoop into the bottom of each liner the recipe calls for then I go back and finish filling each one with the remaining batter.

This helps me distribute the batter more evenly. I hate when you get to the end and realize you don’t have enough batter left.


Close up of yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting

How To Store Cupcakes

To store cupcakes, place them in an airtight container (deep enough so you don’t mess up the frosting).

If you’re using buttercream, they can sit at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week (especially if it’s warm and the frosting starts to melt).

If you’re using cream cheese frosting, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to get rid of the chill.


Banana Cupcake cut in half

Can you freeze cupcakes?

Like with most cakes, yes you can freeze cupcakes.

To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, place them on a cookie sheet and freeze for an hour. Once firm, wrap each one in plastic wrap then stick in a freeze-safe plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To freeze frosted cupcakes, it’s best to use a buttercream frosting. Cream cheese frosting can become grainy after freezing, although it’ll still be edible.

Place frosted cupcakes on a cookie sheet and freeze for an hour. Once firm, place each one in a deep enough container that won’t squash the frosting. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Thaw Frozen Cupcakes

To thaw frozen cupcakes, place them on a wire rack and let them come to room temperature, about 15-30 minutes.

The wire rack helps keep the cupcake bottoms dry as they thaw.


Group of 3 vanilla cupcakes

How To Decorate Cupcakes

You can’t serve cupcakes without frosting! That’s why I also have recipes for small batch frosting so you’re not stuck with leftovers. Mix and match your favorite flavors!

Small Batch Cupcakes

When you need homemade cupcakes for a small celebration or birthday but don’t want to bake a full batch, these Small Batch Cupcakes are the perfect solution! Ranging from classics like chocolate and vanilla to more fun flavors like coconut and banana, these 15 small batch cupcake recipes make 6-8 cupcakes, which are ideal for small households.

First published May 14, 2020