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Muffins vs. Cupcakes: What is the Actual Difference?

Muffins vs. Cupcakes: What is the Actual Difference?

The difference between muffins and cupcakes has been the source of many heated arguments over the years. Even professional bakers have conflicting opinions about whether or not they should be considered the same. Although there are some superficial similarities, muffins and cupcakes often differ in terms of the ingredients used and the way people choose to eat them.
Whether you’re wondering how to make muffins or you’re curious about how to make cupcakes, this blog post contains additional information about the difference between cupcakes and muffins.

The Recipe


Both cupcakes and muffins require many of the same ingredients, including flour, eggs, milk and sugar. However, a cupcake recipe involves using cake flour and butter, while a muffin recipe will often require all-purpose flour and vegetable oil. Muffins are more commonly a savoury item and are more likely to be loaded with fruits rather than confectionary. Muffins also tend to be denser than cupcakes and have a dryer texture. Cupcakes are generally sweeter and have higher concentrations of eggs and butter. For this reason, you can’t simply add cupcake batter to a muffin tray or muffin pan and expect to create a muffin.

The Frosting


One of the biggest points of difference with a muffin vs cupcake is the presence or absence of frosting and fillings. Cupcakes almost always have frosting and fillings to embellish their appearance and flavour, making them ideal as sugary treats and dessert items. Muffins, on the other hand, are considered to be an acceptable breakfast option precisely because they lack these sugary additions. In fact, muffins often include savoury elements such as bacon and vegetables.

The Decorations


Cupcakes commonly feature edible decorations such as edible gold leaf, edible flowers, and even edible dusts and glitters. Both professional and beginner cupcake frosting decorations can be used to add a visual element to cupcakes, helping to make them look more appealing. On the other hand, muffins are often served without any decoration, meaning that despite their larger size, they often aren’t as impressive in appearance.

Cupcakes vs Muffins – Which Are Best for Sweet Tooths?


Ultimately, the battle between cupcakes vs muffins will come down to an individual’s preferences and tastes. While both are a satisfying choice for sweet tooths, cupcakes are often a sweeter choice due to the frosting as well as the added decorations that are often made from sugar.

Learn More Today


Hot Stuff Bakeware is a leading baking supplies shop in Melbourne, boasting an impressive range of muffin and cupcake decorations for you to choose from. Contact our experts today to learn more about the difference between cupcakes and muffins and receive recommendations for cupcake and muffin tray products.
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