Cupcake Batter

• Spicing up the batter is the first idea for making birthday cupcakes. Add flavoring to the batter, such as vanilla, peppermint, almond or hazelnut. For chocolate lovers, put chocolate squares in the middle of chocolate-filled batter after putting it in the liners. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for creamy chocolate throughout the cake. Not big chocolate fans? Add soft chewy candy that will soften even more while baking. Another idea is to color all the batter, or divide the batter in half for two different colors. Then, either have a variety of colors, or fill half of the liners with one color and top them off with another color. For slight coloring, sprinkle colored sugar in the batter, or just on top.
  
  

Baking Supplies

• Bake a variety of cupcake sizes for birthday cupcakes. Stores sell different sized baking cups, from miniature to oversized. Look for silicone ones with feet or animal shapes. Liners are another simple way to personalize cupcakes as well.
  
  

Decorating Tips

• Frosting is the standard topping for cupcakes, which allows for flexibility. Look at different icing recipes for the desired consistency and longevity for your plans. Plan small designs such as a smiley face or the birthday number, and then make different sets or all identical. For larger cupcakes, write each guest's name on one. Add hard sprinkles or use toppers such as a candle (plain or number shaped); a plastic ring; miniature car; or pictures on toothpicks. With a few pipe cleaners or toothpicks, create butterfly antennae, tiger tails or a golf club. Cut up dark candy bars for railroad tracks at a train party or pink mints for fairy dust at a princess party. Finally, add a wrapper to accessorize the finished product. Wraps are rectangle-shaped papers taped around the finished cupcake that can be purchased or homemade with a stencil. Wrappers are easy to specialize, as they work with any paper or doily.
  
  

Placement Creations

• Incorporate the cupcakes into the party's theme. Arrange them to spell a word or number. Use them as table decorations or centerpieces. If using few cupcakes, place them on a decorative board. Buy a tiered cupcake holder or two for displays. Finally, cupcakes can serve as the take-home treat. Set up a variety, give guests a deli bag and have them choose a few.