They look similar, but muffins and cupcakes are worlds apart in taste, texture, and preparation. We break down the key differences so you’ll never mix them up again.
Muffins are typically made using the “muffin method” — wet and dry ingredients are mixed separately and combined quickly, which gives them a denser, slightly coarser crumb. Cupcakes, on the other hand, are made more like cakes, with butter and sugar creamed together first to create a lighter, fluffier texture.
Sweetness levels also differ significantly. Muffins usually contain less sugar and are meant to be a more balanced, breakfast-friendly treat, while cupcakes are designed to be a dessert, often topped with rich buttercream or frosting.
