Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes Recipe

Irresistible Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes Recipe

Soft, pillowy cupcakes with a Magnolia Bakery cupcakes recipe have been the talk of dessert lovers for decades.

These iconic treats burst with nostalgic New York City Bakery charm.

Sweet and delicate, they capture the essence of classic American baking.

The simple yet decadent recipe brings Bakery-quality goodness straight to your kitchen.

Each bite promises a creamy, light experience that melts in your mouth.

Bakers of all skill levels can recreate this beloved dessert with ease.

Prepare to indulge in a cupcake that’s sure to become your new favorite weekend baking project.

What Makes Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes Special

  • Simplify Meal Prep: This crockpot recipe transforms boring chicken into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on other tasks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Combining Ranch and Au Jus seasoning with pepperoncini creates a tangy, savory sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Shredded chicken works wonderfully in sandwiches, over rice, on salads, or as a protein-packed filling for tacos, giving you multiple meal possibilities from one simple recipe.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Toss ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and walk away – this hands-free cooking method ensures tender, flavorful chicken without constant monitoring or complex techniques.

Ingredients For Copycat Magnolia Cupcakes

Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, moist cake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cupcakes.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a light, tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Dry Mixture Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet buttercream frosting.
  • Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the creamy frosting.
  • Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the buttercream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
  • Salt: Provides a subtle balance to the sweetness.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Cupcake Liners: Helps with easy removal and presentation of the cupcakes.

Step-By-Step Guide For Magnolia Cupcakes

Step-By-Step Guide For Magnolia Cupcakes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your cupcake pan and line it with cute paper liners that’ll cradle your delicious treats.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour power:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set this magical mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like dream.

Beat them together until they’re light, fluffy, and looking irresistible. This should take about 3-4 minutes of pure mixing magic.

Step 4: Egg-cellent Addition

Crack those eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each entrance. Splash in some vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Time for ingredient harmony! Slowly introduce your dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Pour in buttermilk, alternating between dry and wet. Start and end with dry ingredients.

Mix until everything just comes together – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Homes

Distribute your batter evenly into the waiting paper liners.

Fill each about two-thirds full – we want room for beautiful rising.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them chill in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 8: Whip Up Heavenly Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until it’s creamy and dreamy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, mixing on low.

Add these flavor boosters:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Whip on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s fluffy cloud territory.

Step 9: Decorate with Deliciousness

Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with your buttercream masterpiece.

Use a piping bag for fancy swirls or a spatula for rustic charm.

Congratulations!

You’ve just created bakery-worthy cupcakes that’ll make everyone swoon!

Helpful Hints For Perfect Cupcakes

  • Let butter, eggs, and buttermilk sit out for 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender, light cupcake crumb.
  • Use pure vanilla extract for a richer, more authentic bakery-style flavor compared to artificial alternatives.
  • Add milk gradually to achieve the perfect buttercream texture – start with less and adjust as needed for smooth, spreadable frosting.
  • Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Creative Takes On Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Cupcake Adventure: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly cupcakes that taste just as delicious.
  • Vegan Vanilla Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and replace butter with vegan margarine for plant-based lovers.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate buttercream frosting for rich, decadent chocolate cupcakes.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Foods That Pair Well With Magnolia Cupcakes

  • Pair Decadent Milk: Whole milk complements the sweet buttercream frosting perfectly, creating a smooth and rich drinking experience that balances the cupcake's sugary notes.
  • Match Classic Coffee: Brew a medium roast coffee to enhance the vanilla undertones, cutting through the frosting's richness and providing a warm, complementary flavor profile.
  • Explore Champagne Pairing: Select a light, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco to elevate the dessert, adding a celebratory touch and cleansing the palate between bites of the creamy cupcake.
  • Indulge Tea Selection: Choose a delicate Earl Grey or vanilla-infused black tea that mirrors the cupcake's subtle sweetness and provides a gentle, aromatic companion to the dessert.

How To Store Magnolia Cupcakes Properly

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top to prevent the frosting from drying out.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

FAQs

  • Why are my cupcakes dense or tough?

Overmixing the batter causes gluten development, resulting in dense cupcakes. Mix ingredients just until combined and avoid overworking the batter.

  • Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but cake flour produces a lighter, softer texture. If using all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replace with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s texture.

  • How can I ensure my buttercream is smooth and creamy?

Ensure butter is at room temperature, sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps, and beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes to create a fluffy, smooth frosting. Add milk gradually to control consistency.

Print
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Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes Recipe

Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes bring classic New York sweetness right to your kitchen. Rich vanilla buttercream and perfectly moist cake promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with pure bakery-style satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs

Leavening Agents:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a cupcake pan.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.
  3. Transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture by beating them together for 3-4 minutes until achieving a fluffy consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition, then infuse vanilla extract into the mixture.
  5. Carefully blend dry ingredients with the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and conclude with dry ingredients, mixing until just harmonized.
  6. Distribute batter evenly across cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350F, verifying doneness with a toothpick test. Allow minimal cooling in the pan before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Craft the buttercream by beating butter until smooth, gradually introducing powdered sugar at low speed.
  9. Enhance frosting with milk, vanilla extract, and a salt pinch, then whip at high speed for 2-3 minutes until achieving a luxurious, fluffy texture.
  10. Once cupcakes have thoroughly cooled, embellish with buttercream using a piping bag or spatula for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Try different milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of these cupcakes.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and more even baking, so take eggs and butter out 30 minutes before mixing.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cupcake’s delicate texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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