Amp Up Plain Cupcakes with these Unique Mix-In Ideas

Enhance plain vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with these batter mix-ins.

By: Food Network Kitchen

Related To:

Cupcakes 2.0

Whether you're looking to give your cupcakes a sophisticated makeover or a kid-friendly twist, these mix-ins will do wonders for vanilla and chocolate cupcakes alike. Start with Food Network Kitchen's Go-To Chocolate Cupcakes or Go-To Vanilla Cupcakes, then choose one of these clever flavor pairings to work into the batter.

Get the Recipes: Go-To Vanilla Cupcakes

Mini Chocolate Chips

For vanilla cupcakes: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to your batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Chocolate American Buttercream garnished with more mini chocolate chips

Orange

For chocolate cupcakes: Stir 1 tablespoon finely chopped candied orange peel and 2 teaspoons orange zest into the batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Swiss Buttercream or Cream Cheese Frosting with more diced candied orange peel

Sprinkles

For vanilla cupcakes: Stir 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles into your batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Vanilla American Buttercream garnished with more sprinkles

Mocha

For chocolate cupcakes: Stir 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder into the batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Chocolate Swiss Buttercream and chocolate-covered espresso beans

Lemon Poppy Seed

For vanilla cupcakes: Stir 2 teaspoons poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Seven-Minute Frosting

Rum Raisin

For chocolate cupcakes: Soak 3/4 cup raisins in 1/4 cup rum until softened; drain and reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish. Finely chop and fold the remaining raisins into the batter and bake.

Topping suggestion: Vanilla American Buttercream and more rum-soaked raisins