Cupcake

A cupcake with frosting is a small, individual-sized cake, typically baked in a paper liner, and topped with a swirl of sweet, creamy frosting. The cake base is usually made from flour, sugar, eggs, butter or oil, and milk, while the frosting is most commonly a buttercream made from butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or chocolate. This beloved treat is a staple of American baking and dessert culture.

🍳 View the full Cupcake recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Cupcakes with frosting are high in carbohydrates and fats, with a significant portion of calories coming from added sugars in both the cake and the frosting. A standard-sized cupcake with frosting typically contains between 250 to 400 calories, providing quick energy but minimal essential nutrients like protein, fiber, or vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	10 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	20 g
Sodium	150 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Iron	1.0 mg
Potassium	50 mg
Vitamin A	40 µg
Vitamin C	0.2 mg
Vitamin D	0.1 µg
Vitamin B12	0.1 µg
Phosphorus	40 mg

Per 1 cupcake (approx. 60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, cupcakes rose to prominence in the United States in the 20th century, symbolizing celebration and individual portioning. Nutritionally, they are a classic example of 'discretionary calories'—foods that are energy-dense but nutrient-poor, making them a treat rather than a dietary staple.