Easy Almond Cupcakes with Almond Buttercream Recipe
Introduction
These easy almond cupcakes are a delightful treat with a tender crumb and rich almond flavor. Topped with creamy almond buttercream frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion when you want a simple yet impressive dessert.

Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp almond extract (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups almond buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, oil, sour cream, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Step 2: Add the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Avoid over-mixing.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Step 4: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Let the cupcakes cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Step 6: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare your almond buttercream frosting.
- Step 7: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as tip 1M) and pipe swirls or roses on each cupcake. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the almond extract carefully as it’s quite strong; start with 1/4 tsp and add more if desired.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond extract with vanilla and use a buttercream without almond butter.
- To add texture, fold in 1/4 cup chopped almonds into the batter before baking.
Storage
Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour behaves differently and may make the cupcakes dense or moist. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour or try a mix of almond and all-purpose flour for better results.
How do I make almond buttercream frosting?
To make almond buttercream, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, almond butter, and a splash of milk or cream until smooth and fluffy. Adjust almond butter quantity to taste.
PrintEasy Almond Cupcakes with Almond Buttercream Recipe
These Easy Almond Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring a moist, fluffy almond-flavored cupcake base topped with a rich and creamy almond buttercream frosting. Perfect for almond lovers, this recipe balances subtle almond extract with classic vanilla and a smooth sour cream batter, resulting in an irresistibly tender cupcake with a luscious swirl of almond buttercream on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 Large Egg (Room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Oil
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (Full fat, Room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Water (Room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4–1/2 tsp Almond extract (Adjust to preference, 1/2 tsp recommended)
- 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
Frosting
- 2 cups Almond buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, oil, sour cream, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk or mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined, leaving some lumps to avoid over-mixing and keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Prepare Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter evenly into cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full for optimal rise and shape.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature in the pan or on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cupcakes are baking and cooling, prepare your almond buttercream frosting if not already ready, ensuring it is smooth and pipeable.
- Pipe Frosting: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (tip 1M) with almond buttercream frosting. Pipe beautiful swirls or rose designs atop each cupcake. Serve and enjoy your delicious almond cupcakes.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Do not over-mix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Adjust almond extract quantity according to taste, as it has a strong flavor.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
- These cupcakes are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Keywords: almond cupcakes, almond buttercream, easy cupcakes, almond extract cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, dessert, baking

