Easy Brown Sugar Cupcakes
Yields: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 18–20 mins
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk
Optional add-ins:
1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy touch
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans
Brown Sugar Frosting (Quick Version)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mix.
Mix just until combined. Divide evenly among liners.
Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until smooth and bubbling (about 2 mins).
Remove from heat, stir in milk. Cool slightly.
Transfer to a bowl, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Add a touch more milk if needed.
🍯 Optional Toppings
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt
Drizzle with caramel sauce
Top with a toasted pecan or crumble topping