Have you been tasked with making cupcakes for an upcoming event, and don’t know which flavor to bake? Are you simply curious about which cupcake flavors are the most popular? Then you need to keep reading – because this article is all about the most popular cupcake flavors!
Hey, everyone, welcome to this post! I’m Michelle, a self-taught baker who has made hundreds, if not thousands, of cupcakes. Needless to say, I’ve got plenty of experience in the cupcake-baking department. Throughout my years of baking for clients, I’ve discovered which ones are the definite favorites.
Want to know which cupcake flavors are the most popular? Then keep reading. Below, you’ll find the top ten most popular cupcake flavors on the market. Some of these flavors may even surprise you!
Come on, cupcake fans – let’s find out which cupcake flavors ranked in the popularity contest!
Top Ten Most Popular Cupcake Flavors
To be completely honest, you really can’t go wrong with any cupcake flavor; they’re all tremendous and mouthwatering. But that doesn’t mean that some aren’t more popular than others.
Without further ado, here is my list of the top ten most popular cupcake flavors:
Warning – you’re sure to have a craving for cupcakes by the end of it!
1. Chocolate
Unsurprisingly, chocolate takes the cake (or should I say cupcake?) when it comes to the most popular cupcake flavor. It’s a timeless flavor that pairs well with various frostings, from vanilla and chocolate to brown butter toffee and salted peanut butter.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with chocolate cupcakes. They’re a crowd favorite that is sure to wow, regardless of how “simple” you go.
2. Vanilla
If chocolate is first, you can almost guarantee that vanilla is second – and this theory remains valid for the most popular cupcake flavors.
Vanilla is another timeless flavor that many people enjoy. It’s sweeter and less rich compared to its chocolate counterpart, but that’s what plenty of people are looking for in their cupcakes.
Vanilla can also play well with a variety of toppings, making it a versatile cupcake for your upcoming shindig. Go with the typical vanilla buttercream, or try out something new and exotic, like cherry swirl or pistachio.
3. Red Velvet
Although it may come as a surprise, red velvet is not chocolate. Therefore, it gets its very own ranking, and it comes in at number three.
Red Velvet is a very popular type of cupcake (and cake, for that matter).
Red Velvet was invented in the 1940s and has continued to wow the crowd with an incredible texture and chocolatey yet slightly tangy flavor. Paired with cream cheese or buttercream frosting, this cupcake flavor will surely be a hit at any gathering.
4. Carrot Cake
Yup, you read that right – carrot cake cupcakes are the fourth most popular cupcake flavor out there.
Why?
Well, there are three reasons.
For one, they’re delicious, especially when paired with a cream cheese frosting. Secondly, it’s a classic type of cake that’s been around since the Middle Ages. Lastly, they’re made with carrots – so while they’re not technically “healthy,” consumers like to believe they’re at least making a better decision.
4. Strawberry
Think about the last time you went to a girl’s birthday party. While she may have had a different type of cupcake flavor, she likely went with strawberry. Why? Because this flavor is pink and is very tantalizing. The flavors are simply incredible!
Strawberry is another popular cupcake flavor that people request time and time again. It tends to go best with strawberry, vanilla, or chocolate frosting, but you can add more zing by opting for a lemon or rhubarb.
5. Funfetti
Funfetti is a solid number five on the list. This is mainly because funfetti cupcakes are, well, fun. They’re almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat – which is always a perk!
The great thing about funfetti cupcakes is that they’re incredibly festive, becoming an instant staple at any get-together. Serve funfetti cupcakes to your guests, and they’ll have no other option but to feel happy and in the mood to party!
6. Coffee
Who said coffee had to be reserved for Monday mornings?
Every coffee fanatic will be happy to hear that coffee ranks as the number six most popular cupcake flavor out there.
Coffee cupcakes really don’t need an explanation. They taste and smell like coffee, an instant win for 90% of the population.
What some might not know is that you can create vivid and enthralling flavors with a coffee cupcake. For an indulgent finish, keep it simple with dark chocolate, or rejuvenate this classic cupcake flavor with some light and fruity raspberry buttercream.
7. Maple Bacon
In recent years, people have decided that bacon shouldn’t solely be used for breakfast platters and cheeseburgers. That’s why they’ve decided to throw bacon into everything, including yummy treats like cupcakes. And what goes well with bacon? Maple, of course!
Insert: the maple bacon cupcake, otherwise known as America’s latest obsession.
Maple bacon cupcakes make it to the list for one reason: people love bacon. Throw it into a cupcake with maple flavoring, and you have a cupcake that is sure to leave people begging for seconds.
Make sure to top it with maple bacon buttercream frosting to give it that extra kick!
8. Peanut Butter
Bacon isn’t the only fixation for the USA; there’s peanut butter, too.
With the majority of the population crazy about peanut butter, it’s unsurprising that peanut butter cupcakes have soared in popularity. This is especially true when bakers get wild with the toppings, such as banana, chocolate, or other fun flavors and twists!
Just ensure you don’t serve these cupcakes to anyone with a peanut butter allergy – that would be a recipe for disaster!
9. Lemon
Anyone who’s in the mood for something light, refreshing, and someone tart, will want to pick up a lemon cupcake.
Lemon cupcakes have a distinct flavor that’s full of plenty of pizazz yet aren’t sour like an actual lemon. With the right frosting, you can cut a bit of the tartness, too, leaving you with a highly desirable finish. (Think: strawberry lemonade, raspberry, or vanilla frosting!)
Lemon cupcakes are the ideal option for the spring and summer seasons, so bring them to pool parties and neighborhood barbecues!
10. Pumpkin
Pumpkin spice latte? Nah. Pass me a pumpkin cupcake instead!
Over the past few years, pumpkin goodies have taken center stage – and we’re not complaining.
Although some might call it “basic,” no one can deny the delicious flavor of pumpkin treats, such as cupcakes.
Go ahead and whip up a batch of pumpkin cupcakes, especially during the fall season. Top it with your preferred frosting, such as cinnamon, cranberry, or maple. Everyone is sure to devour these succulent handheld cakes!
FAQs
Is your mouth watering yet? Cause I know mine is! While I’m sure you already know which flavor(s) you will bake next, I encourage you to look at these frequently asked questions first. You might learn a few new essential things!
What is the most common cupcake flavor?
It seems that the two most popular cupcake flavors also win the trophy for being the most common: chocolate and vanilla. These are simply the two most classic flavors you could possibly bake or buy. When in doubt, choose one (or both!).
What is the most famous cake flavor?
If we’re talking about cakes specifically, the “most famous” flavors don’t change too much. The most famous cake flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet. Of course, cheesecake is also another fan fave. Try making a cheesecake cupcake?!
What is the most popular kind of cupcake frosting?
Buttercream remains the most popular kind of cupcake frosting, regardless of the flavor. That’s because buttercream is very versatile and can easily be flavored. Not only that, but it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and effortless to frost/pipe onto cupcakes. Yum!
So Many Wonderful Cupcake Flavors!
When it comes to the most popular cupcake flavors, chocolate and vanilla are the top two picks. If you want to try something a little different while still being confident that people will enjoy it, you can try maple bacon, lemon, or carrot cake.
What is your favorite cupcake flavor? Did it make it to the top ten? Share all of your favorite cupcake flavors in the comment section below!
About Michelle