15 Unconventional Cupcake Recipes

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

While the cupcake market may have reached its saturation point, it's safe to say most people aren't over the cupcake craze and are still as likely to bake a dozen at home as they were a few years ago. If you're yearning for something other than run-of-the-mill vanilla and chocolate, then take a look at these unique recipes — from vegan alternatives like pumpkin and chocolate chip cupcakes to booze-filled ones like Champagne cupcakes. Prepare to bust out the muffin tin!

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Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

We have a homemade recipe that's — dare we say it — even better tasting than the iconic original. Watch and learn how to make, fill, glaze, and pipe your way to Hostess cupcakes.

Double-Lemon Cupcakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Double-Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon pound cake cupcakes are filled with a lemon curd and double as breakfast or dessert.

Gluten-Free, Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes With Cinnamon Glaze
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Gluten-Free, Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes With Cinnamon Glaze

Even if you don't have dairy or wheat intolerances, you'll still love the texture and flavor of these gluten-free, vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes. The cinnamon glaze adds just enough sweetness for a satisfying end to a meal.

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes With Whiskey Ganache and Irish Cream Frosting
POPSUGAR Photography | Sara Yoo

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes With Whiskey Ganache and Irish Cream Frosting

Don't let these sprinkled chocolate cupcakes deceive you! Even though they are cute, they're intended for adults only. Filled with stout, whiskey, and Baileys, these cupcakes certainly take the edge off.

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Maple-Bacon Cupcakes

These maple-flavored cupcakes are smothered with a dreamy buttercream frosting and garnished with candied bacon. It's like a decadent brunch in cupcake form.

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes With Gooey Peanut Butter Center
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes With Gooey Peanut Butter Center

Do you dare resist the sound of double-chocolate cupcakes with a gooey peanut butter center? Just as the name implies, the chocolate cupcakes are filled with peanut butter, and the tops are dipped in a chocolate glaze icing.

Kiwi-Melon Champagne Cupcakes

Champagne cupcakes with a tart kiwi filling and a melon-vodka-infused frosting? This recipe is literally a mouthful.

Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake often contains coconut, but if you're not a big coconut fan, rejoice: these carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting have no coconut flakes. The moist cupcakes practically dissolve upon biting into them.

Champagne Cupcakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Champagne Cupcakes

Champagne or cupcakes? Decisions, decisions. If you love both, then combine them into this Champagne cupcakes recipe.

Cupcake-ify Corn on the Cob

Cupcake-ify corn on the cob by using jelly beans as corn kernels and Starburst as the melted slab of butter. Aren't they so gosh-darn cute?

Vegan Carrot Cupcakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Vegan Carrot Cupcakes

Everyone should have at least one vegan cupcake in their baking arsenal, so why not let it be this classic carrot cupcake with walnuts and raisins?

Pop Rocks-Filled Apple Cupcakes

With Halloween just around the corner, here's a treat kids and adults will love: Pop Rocks-filled "poisonous" red apple cupcakes, just like in Sleeping Beauty.

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POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

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