How to Make a Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake

Love the look of a birthday cake but want the ease of throwing a batch of cupcakes in the oven? Well, now you don’t have to choose between the two. Follow along as we break down how to make a pull-apart cupcake cake in four different ways, complete with printable guides.

How to Make a Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake

From mythical creatures to playful superheroes these cute cupcake cake ideas will be the talk of birthdays to come. Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home’s Associate Culinary Producer, didn’t just create these tasty treats with presentation in mind, but she made sure each recipe was easy to make, too.

Quick tips:

• For each cupcake cake, choose from any of our best cupcake recipes or pick up a box of cake mix.
• This simple buttercream frosting recipe is easy to customize and tint with your desired colors.
• Frosting tools like piping bags make applying the buttercream frosting simple. We use an offset spatula to create a smooth layer that connects the cupcakes together.

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

Unicorn Cake

Any fairytale lover will gush over this stunning cake at their unicorn party. The ice cream cone horn adds a magical touch. Psst! Sarah recommends using a large star or flower tip for that unbelievable mane detailing.

What You’ll Need:

• 22 vanilla cupcakes
• Buttercream frosting
• Food coloring
• Ice cream waffle cone
• Sprinkles
• Cupcake liners

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
2. Arrange cupcakes into a unicorn shape using this printable guide.
3. Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
4. Pipe frosting for mane, ears, eye and nose.
5. Pipe frosting around ice cream cone for horn and attach.
6. Decorate with sprinkles as desired.

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

Football Cake

In just four simple steps, you’ll have a cupcake cake ready for your sports superstar. Pair them with any of these fantastic football foods, too. Touchdown!

What You’ll Need:

• 20 chocolate cupcakes
• Buttercream frosting
• Food coloring
• Cupcake liners

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
2. Arrange cupcakes into a football shape using this printable guide.
3. Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
4. Pipe additional frosting for football laces.

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

Cactus Cake

Perfect for kids, teens and adults alike, this sweet cactus cupcake cake will prickle everyone’s fancy. It’s perfect for any occasion: from birthday parties to bridal showers.

What You’ll Need:

• 32 chocolate cupcakes
• Buttercream frosting
• Food coloring
• Cupcake liners

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
2. Arrange cupcakes into a cactus shape using this printable guide.
3. Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
4. Pipe additional frosting for cactus detailing and flowers.

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

Superman Cake

This classic Superman cupcake cake comes to the rescue in a flash. Little hands will be pulling this guy apart faster than you can say, “up, up and away.”

What You’ll Need:

• 24 yellow or vanilla cupcakes
• Buttercream frosting
• Food coloring
• Cupcake liners

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
2. Arrange cupcakes into a Superman shape using this printable guide.
3. Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
4. Pipe additional frosting to decorate as Superman logo.

More Cupcake Ideas

1 / 10

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

This is a wonderful recipe I discovered and changed a bit to suit my taste. I love the flavor of pumpkin and the cinnamon makes ordinary cream cheese frosting extra special. When I made a batch for my husband to take to work, he said they disappeared in record time. —Debbie Wiggins, Longmont, Colorado

Get Recipe

Yellow CupcakesNothing is better than homemade cupcakes. They are so delicious and fluffy. Choose whatever frosting you want to top these treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

New to making homemade cupcakes from scratch, or just want a refresher? Check out our complete guide on how to make cupcakes.

Buttermilk Chocolate CupcakesGood any time of the year, a chocolate cupcake recipe make a great get-up-and-go treat on busy summer days. These buttermilk chocolate cupcakes have been a frosted favorite with family and friends for at least 35 years. They're really popular at bake sales. —Ellen Moore, Springfield, New Hampshire

Go to Recipe

Key Lime Pie CupcakesI bake over 200 of these cupcakes for our church suppers, and we always run out. If you can't find Key lime juice, use lime juice. Just add a tad more sugar. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Black Bottom CupcakesThis recipe's been in our family for years, but these cupcakes still go quick each time I make them. So I always double or triple the ingredients! You'll likely see what I mean if you make them at your place—I can't remember anyone who's tried them for the first time not asking for seconds. —Julie Briceland, Windsor, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Maple Carrot CupcakesI come from a line of family cooks and have liked to cook and bake since I was young. Mother and Grandmom were always in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. These carrot cupcakes were Grandmom's specialty, and we always have them at family gatherings. —Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Vineland, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Zucchini CupcakesI asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Go to Recipe

Boston Cream CupcakesBoston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Hummingbird CupcakesTurn the traditional hummingbird cake—flavored with pineapple, bananas and walnuts—into a bite-sized treat with these moist cupcakes. —Jessie Oleson, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Go to Recipe

Irish Cream CupcakesIf you're looking for a grown-up cupcake, give these a try. You'll have a hard time limiting yourself to one! —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer, contributed to this article.