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Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes with swirled pink frosting arranged on a white surface, one cupcake in the foreground with a bite taken to reveal the soft interior.

Copycat Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

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Light, fluffy cupcakes topped with a silky pink buttercream that will make every bite feel like a little celebration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups cake flour sifted for light texture
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder for lift
  • teaspoon baking soda for subtle rise
  • ¼ teaspoon salt to balance sweetness
  • ½ cup whole milk room temperature for batter
  • ¼ cup sour cream adds moisture and tenderness
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened for creaming
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar for sweetness and structure
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure for flavor
  • 2 large egg whites room temperature for better aeration
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened for buttercream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor in frosting
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted for smooth buttercream
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk adjust for desired consistency
  • 1 drop red gel food coloring optional for soft pink color

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Scrape down the bowl, then add the egg whites and mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Add half of the milk mixture and half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating gently until just combined.
  7. Scrape the bowl again, then add the remaining milk mixture followed by the remaining flour mixture, mixing until fully combined.
  8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full (approximately ¼ cup per cup).
  9. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when touched.
  10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely before frosting.
  11. For the buttercream, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until crumbly.
  12. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
  13. Add a drop of red gel food coloring and mix until evenly incorporated.
  14. Fit a piping bag with a medium round tip and fill it with the prepared buttercream.
  15. Pipe the buttercream onto each cooled cupcake, starting from the outside edge and spiraling inward to create a smooth peak.

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 31gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These cupcakes are a treat to brighten any day! The pink buttercream is smooth and perfect for decorating, making every bite feel like a special moment.

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