Easy DIY Cake Cups Recipe

This simple cake cups recipe is a must for every home baker! They’re an excellent option to prepare ahead, making them perfect for birthdays, outdoor parties, or any gathering. They’re endlessly versatile, and you can even use leftover cake scraps and frosting to prevent waste.

These cake cups were one of my favorite ways to sell extra cake at the bakery while also offering a convenient grab-and-go treat. You can make them using leftover pieces from the Cut and Stack method, or turn a single batch of any of my recipes into about six full-sized cake cups.

Since the layers are visible from the side, these cups are not only delicious but also visually appealing! The Red, White, and Blueberry Cake Parfaits are ideal for summer BBQs and 4th of July celebrations, though the flavor possibilities are endless.

Equipment Checklist

You can keep things simple by using jars or cups you already have, or choose the specific products I use in my bakery. The most important features are that the container is transparent and easy for guests to carry and enjoy.

8–9 oz clear disposable cups with lids: Perfect for single servings, roughly equivalent to a generous slice of cake. Standard plastic spoons fit through the straw hole.

Mini sampler cups (2–4 oz) with lids: Ideal for tasting portions. You can find lids with straw holes for mini spoons online.

Mini tasting spoons: These fit nicely into the small cups and make them easy to serve.

1M star piping tip: My favorite for a polished frosting look along the edges. I use it in an 18-inch disposable pastry bag to fit more frosting.

Why You’ll Love Cake Cups

Perfect for outdoor events: Served in disposable cups, they’re ideal for picnics, parties, and kids’ celebrations.

Quick to serve a crowd: No slicing or plating required—just hand out individual portions in minutes.

Completely customizable: Mix and match cake flavors, frostings, fillings, or toppings however you like.

Ingredients & Cake Options

You can choose from any of my cake flavors, fillings, or frostings. Make sure the cake has cooled completely before assembling to avoid melted frosting. This method works with both homemade and boxed cake mixes.

Frostings & Fillings: Use any of my frostings, curds, or compotes. You can stick with one flavor or layer multiple fillings for added texture and taste.

Toppings: Optional but fun! Add sprinkles, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or other decorative elements to elevate your cups.

Variations

Vanilla Raspberry: Vanilla cake with raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream, topped with fresh raspberries.

Red Velvet: Moist red velvet cake with cream cheese filling and optional graham cracker crumbles.

Strawberry Shortcake: Layer vanilla almond cake, strawberry compote, and stabilized whipped cream.

Triple Chocolate: Chocolate cake layered with ganache, chocolate frosting, and mini chocolate chips.

Birthday Cake: Vanilla cake with strawberry frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

Chocolate Peanut Butter: Chocolate cake paired with peanut butter and topped with mini peanut butter cups.

Blueberry: Yellow or blueberry cake with homemade blueberry compote and frosting, garnished with fresh blueberries.

Dirt Cup: Chocolate cake layered with pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms for a fun kids’ dessert.

Storage

Cake cups can be made up to three weeks ahead. Once layered and covered, freeze them in a box or large airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow 1–3 hours at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips

Frosting layers can easily get thick in these cups. Use your piping bag and 1M tip to pipe buttercream around the rim, leaving space in the center for more cake or filling.

Keep an eye on the sides while layering to ensure even, neat layers. It makes the cups look polished, though they’ll taste great either way.

For outdoor events, disposable cups save time and make serving much easier than transporting full cakes. For special occasions, consider mason jars with twine for an elegant touch.

These cake cups are convenient, fun, and a great way to showcase your baking skills. Follow @amycakesbakes on social media and sign up for email updates to learn more tips, tricks, and professional secrets. Happy baking!