Cupcake Meets Sundae in This Easy Dessert Mashup

These sundae cupcakes are a fun, easy twist on a classic treat—and they’re just as simple to make as they are delicious to eat.

Inspired by everything I love about ice cream sundaes, they bring together moist cupcakes, creamy frosting, sprinkles, and of course, a cherry on top. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create something that looks festive and tastes like a childhood favorite.

I love baking these when I want something that feels playful and a little nostalgic, but still impressive enough to serve at a gathering. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a batch just because, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Equipment You Will Need

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Stand mixer
• Spatula or scraper
• Wire cooling rack
• Ice cream scoop

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Sundae Cupcakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 34-36 minutes
• Yield: 16-18 cupcakes

Ingredients

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For the cupcakes:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting & decoration:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

2–3 tablespoons milk (optional)

Rainbow sprinkles

Maraschino cherries

Hershey’s Sundae Dream chocolate sauce (extra thick)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners, set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar and cream until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Mix to combine, scraping down the sides often.
4. Add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Divide the batter between each cupcake liner, filling each about ½-⅔ full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or just until starting to golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
7. For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, vanilla, salt and about half of the powdered sugar.
8. Mix on low just until combined.
9. Add in the remaining powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed). You want the frosting thick, but not dry and crumbly. Once combined, bump up the speed to medium and whip the frosting for an additional minute or until smooth and fluffy looking.
10. Once the cupcakes are cool, use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the frosting and place on top of each cupcake.
11. Drizzle with the chocolate syrup.
12. Decorate with the rainbow sprinkles and then place a cherry on top of each cupcake, pressing down slightly to ensure it sticks and doesn’t slide down the side with the chocolate.

Notes

• Storage: Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, assemble just prior to serving – the chocolate will drip and the cherry will seep the longer they set. 

• Author: Little Party Pixie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
• Category: Sweet Treats

Step-By-Step Process

Sundae cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a dessert that makes people smile. They’re fun to customize and easy to serve, making them a go-to option for party tables.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more simple and tasty party food ideas on the blog—you’ll find plenty of sweet inspiration waiting.

If you like this recipe, check out the Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes and the Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes for more colorful dessert ideas.

© Little Party Pixie 2025