16 Cute Cupcakes for Happy Occasions

Oreo Cupcakes with Cookies and Cream Frosting

Kids and adults alike will find these Oreo cupcakes irresistible. If you want to pipe the frosting, be sure to thoroughly crush the cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

I created this recipe based on our family’s love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine’s Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Conversation Cupcakes

Enjoy frosting sweet sentiments onto these valentines cupcakes by baking a batch ahead of time using no-fuss cake mix. You don’t even need a heart-shaped muffin tin to make them. — Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting

Fresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes

Here’s a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania

Eyes On You

Look out! This crazy cupcake only has eyes for you. Don’t worry though, he’s delicious!
—Karen Tack, Riverside, Connecticut

Pink Velvet Cupcakes

My daughter loves all things pink, so this recipe was just right for her birthday. Even my teenage son (not a fan of pink) ate his share, too. —Paulette Smith, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Cupcake Easter Baskets

These pastel beauties have a mild orange flavor and fun candy elements on top. Bake up a batch of “baskets” for the next church potluck, classroom party or bake sale. —Julie Johnston, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

Mardi Gras Cupcakes

Take these simple Mardi Gras cupcakes to a get-together and watch them disappear. Kids will love to help decorate them with the colorful sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rainbow Cupcakes

I’ve been making these colorful cupcakes with my mom since I was in high school. The cheery sweets are as fun to make as they are to eat. —Tammy Quinn, Lynden, Ontario

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

These St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes go super-quick. The pistachio pudding mix gives them a mild flavor and their pretty pastel color makes them a perfect dessert for this lively holiday. —Kathy Meyer, Almond, Wisconsin

Santa Cupcakes

My kids leave out at least one cupcake for Santa on Christmas Eve. These seemed appropriate! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream

These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they’re just as delicious any time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes

These frosty cupcakes are practically a fireworks display on their own. The little treats feature red velvet cake, blue moon ice cream, a creamy white topping and star-spangled sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen