How to Make Cupcakes Rise High?

I recently did a post on how to make cupcakes rise perfectly. That’s great and all, but what if you want your cupcakes with a towering dome? If you want sky-high cupcakes, you’ll need to use some other tricks out of the magic hat. 

If you want your cupcakes to rise higher than ever before, you will want to use a smaller pan and pour more batter into the slots. You should also intentionally overmix, use more leavening agents, and bake at a super-high temperature. If you have time, you can also let your batter sit overnight.

Hey! If you don’t know already, my name is Michelle, and I’m a self-taught baker with over ten years of experience. My kids and I love to make cupcakes, whether for a special occasion or not. I’ve found ways to create super tall cupcakes that delight in every way possible.

Keep reading to find out what makes cupcakes rise high and how to make them rise higher.

How to Make Cupcakes Rise High: Top 6 Tricks for Success

If you want cupcakes as tall as Shaquille O’Neal, you need to follow a few steps that may seem unorthodox. But while it may seem like you’re going against baking “principles,” one thing is for sure – you will enjoy super high cupcakes!

1. Use a Smaller Pan

The standard cupcake size is 2 ½ inches on the top, 2 inches on the bottom, and 2 ¼ inches high. Try to find a cupcake pan with smaller dimensions, but not so small that it’s “miniature-sized.” 

Why does this work? Well, with less space, the edges of the cupcakes will bake quicker. This pushes the batter toward the center, creating a noticeable, impressively tall dome. 

2. Overfill Your Cupcake Pan

Don’t have a smaller-sized cupcake pan in your kitchen? You can use your go-to cupcake pans for this trick instead.

All you need to do is overfill the slots. Rather than filling the typical 2/3rds full, opt for going all the way to the top. This will cause the cupcakes to rise above the pan, producing the highest cupcakes you could ever dream of.

3. Overmix Your Batter

Most cupcake recipes will tell you to mix the ingredients until they’re incorporated. But we’re bending the rules in this article. 

Don’t stop when the ingredients are incorporated. Keep mixing the batter for a few extra minutes. This will create a light and amazingly fluffy batter with plenty of air bubbles. The excess air bubbles will cause the batter to puff up, ensuring a sky-high finish.

Don’t overmix too much, though. There is a method to the madness. Overmixing your batter too long can cause them to puff up and then deflate. So be extra careful using this trick.

4. Bake at a Higher Temperature

Cupcakes are almost always baked at temps between 325 and 350. This creates the “perfect” cupcake – the beautifully flat cupcakes that are ideal for decorating to your heart’s content.

But those that want significantly domed cupcakes will want to shoot for 400F instead. Go ahead and preheat to 400F or 425F. When the oven’s ready, slide your cupcake pan inside. The high heat will make the batter rise incredibly fast, leaving you with skyscraper cupcakes.

If you notice your cupcakes start burning before they’re done baking, you can always “flash bake” your cupcakes at a high temperature for a few minutes before turning the temperature back down to 350F. This will not compromise the heightening effects.

5. Use More Leavening Agents

Cupcakes require a leavening agent to rise. The recipe you’re using has been perfectly crafted to ensure the cupcakes rise without going overboard, but this isn’t the goal – at least not today.

Double up on the leavening agents to make your cupcakes rise higher than ever before. This will ensure the cupcakes puff up, up, up!

When it comes to using leavening agents, always make sure you’re using measuring spoons. Adding too many leaveners can cause the cupcakes to deflate. So, make sure you’re doubling up – and not a single pinch more.

FAQs

A few simple tricks are all you need to make your cupcakes rise super high. If you want to learn more fun facts about sky-high cupcakes, check out these exciting FAQs.

Why don’t my cupcakes rise?

There are a few reasons your cupcakes aren’t rising, but it almost always has to do with expired leavening agents or a too-cold oven. Ensure your leaveners are “active.” Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to double-check calibration. Avoid opening the oven door (until you have to), as this will allow heat to escape.

Should cupcakes be flat or domed?

Whether cupcakes should be flat or domed is a personal preference. Some people prefer domed cupcakes because they can handle more frosting and decorations. Others prefer a flat surface to work with, and flat-topped cupcakes tend to be moister.

What is the best temperature to bake cupcakes?

350F tends to be the golden number for most cupcake recipes. But, if you want them to rise incredibly high, you will want to opt for 400F or 425F. You can always reduce the temperature after a few minutes to avoid burning.

Should I cut the top off my cupcakes?

In my opinion, no, you shouldn’t cut the top off of your cupcakes unless you absolutely have to or want to. Your cupcakes are going to get decorated either way. So, don’t worry about anyone finding out you took an “ax” to your cupcake tops. They’ll still look and taste fantastic!

Final Words

When towering cupcakes are desired, you need to throw everything you know about cupcake baking out the window. The easiest way to achieve sky-high cupcakes is to raise the temperature, use a smaller pan, or overfill the slots. You can try overmixing and doubling up on leavening agents, too.

Have you ever used any of these tricks to achieve super tall cupcakes? Do you have any tips or tricks to share? We’d love to hear!

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.