Learn how to make a pull-apart cupcake cake in not just one, but FOUR adorable ways. It'll be the perfect addition to your birthday party menu.
How to Make a Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake
Love the look of a birthday cake but want the ease of throwing a batch of cupcakes in the oven? Well, now you don’t have to choose between the two. Follow along as we break down how to make a pull-apart cupcake cake in four different ways, complete with printable guides.
How to Make a Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake
From mythical creatures to playful superheroes these cute cupcake cake ideas will be the talk of birthdays to come. Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home’s Associate Culinary Producer, didn’t just create these tasty treats with presentation in mind, but she made sure each recipe was easy to make, too.
Quick tips:
- For each cupcake cake, choose from any of our best cupcake recipes or pick up a box of cake mix.
- This simple buttercream frosting recipe is easy to customize and tint with your desired colors.
- Frosting tools like piping bags make applying the buttercream frosting simple. We use an offset spatula to create a smooth layer that connects the cupcakes together.
Unicorn Cake
Any fairytale lover will gush over this stunning cake at their unicorn party. The ice cream cone horn adds a magical touch. Psst! Sarah recommends using a large star or flower tip for that unbelievable mane detailing.
What You’ll Need:
- 22 vanilla cupcakes
- Buttercream frosting
- Food coloring
- Ice cream waffle cone
- Sprinkles
- Cupcake liners
Directions:
- Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
- Arrange cupcakes into a unicorn shape using this printable guide.
- Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
- Pipe frosting for mane, ears, eye and nose.
- Pipe frosting around ice cream cone for horn and attach.
- Decorate with sprinkles as desired.
Football Cake
In just four simple steps, you’ll have a cupcake cake ready for your sports superstar. Pair them with any of these fantastic football foods, too. Touchdown!
What You’ll Need:
- 20 chocolate cupcakes
- Buttercream frosting
- Food coloring
- Cupcake liners
Directions:
- Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
- Arrange cupcakes into a football shape using this printable guide.
- Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
- Pipe additional frosting for football laces.
Cactus Cake
Perfect for kids, teens and adults alike, this sweet cactus cupcake cake will prickle everyone’s fancy. It’s perfect for any occasion: from birthday parties to bridal showers.
What You’ll Need:
- 32 chocolate cupcakes
- Buttercream frosting
- Food coloring
- Cupcake liners
Directions:
- Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
- Arrange cupcakes into a cactus shape using this printable guide.
- Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
- Pipe additional frosting for cactus detailing and flowers.
![256549 Superman Logo Cupcake Cake](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DIYD20_256549_B06_30_2b.jpg?fit=680%2C680)
Superman Cake
This classic Superman cupcake cake comes to the rescue in a flash. Little hands will be pulling this guy apart faster than you can say, “up, up and away.”
What You’ll Need:
- 24 yellow or vanilla cupcakes
- Buttercream frosting
- Food coloring
- Cupcake liners
Directions:
- Bake cupcakes according to desired directions.
- Arrange cupcakes into a Superman shape using this printable guide.
- Tint frosting with food coloring as desired and spread on top of cupcakes.
- Pipe additional frosting to decorate as Superman logo.
Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer, contributed to this article.