My Crazy Cupcakes start with a classic sweet sponge. This recipe acts as your Master Cupcake recipe. No matter what flavor you are making you will never need another cupcake recipe again. This cake is fluffy moist and sweet, making it the perfect canvas for whatever flavors you and your family are craving.

After you prepare the sponge you simply add in your choice of mix-ins. From classics like Red Velvet and Carrot Cake, to fun flavors like Chocolate and Peanut Butter, I have you covered. My personal favorite is the Birthday Cake Cupcake!

All of these flavors are topped off with everyone’s favorite part, loads of frosting and extra toppings. These Crazy Cupcakes are a sight to behold, and perfect for a party or to bring to a friend. This recipe is one of my favorites as it takes something as simple as a plain cupcake recipe and transforms it into the little personalized mini cakes of your dreams!

Below are just a few of my flavor ideas but you can make so many more. Let me know in the comments below what you make!

Preheat the 350ºF.

Make the cupcake batter: in a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs, working one at a time, making sure each egg is mixed in completely before adding the next egg. Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla bean paste and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, starting with the flour mixture and alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each paper liner until two-thirds full. Bake the cupcakes until the cupcakes are brown and spring back to the touch, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Make the maple cream cheese frosting: in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and cream cheese until soft and combined, about 3 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Spread the frosting on the cupcakes using a small knife or offset spatula. Alternatively, fill a piping bag with the frosting and swirl on the cupcakes.