There’s something truly magical about celebrating a first birthday! As a mom, I know how special this milestone is, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious cupcakes? These Cupcakes for First Birthday are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty, featuring a delightful coconut cream frosting that will have both little guests and adults coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up alongside your favorite easy pasta recipes for a quick family dinner. Let’s dive into this fun and tasty recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly sweet and moist cupcakes that are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Customizable frosting that can be adjusted to your sweetness preference.
- Great for a Simple First Birthday Smash Cake or as individual treats.
- Can be made ahead of time, making party prep a breeze!
Ingredients
To make these delightful cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (grapeseed)
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 14-oz. can of coconut cream, refrigerated overnight
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup (for frosting)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line 8 cups in a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, beat the melted butter and oil with an electric mixer.
- Stream in the maple syrup while continuing to beat.
- Add the egg and beat until well combined.
- Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over the batter, then beat just to combine for a few seconds. Add all of the milk at once and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Divide the mixture into the prepared cups.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- To make the coconut cream frosting, ensure the can of coconut cream has been refrigerated overnight. When the cupcakes are completely cool, scrape all of the coconut cream into a cold bowl (avoid the coconut water).
- Beat the coconut cream with an electric mixer on HIGH until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup and beat to combine.
- Taste the frosting; if you want it sweeter, you can add powdered sugar, but be careful not to make it too thin!
- Frost the cupcakes and serve them to your little guests!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; just combine until smooth to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- For a fun twist, add sprinkles to the frosting or on top of the cupcakes!
- If you’re making a 1st Birthday Cake Homemade, consider stacking two layers of cupcakes for a cute presentation.
How to Serve
These cupcakes are perfect for any birthday celebration! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Arrange them on a colorful platter for a festive look.
- Pair them with a Energy Boosting Smoothie for a fun drink option.
- For a special touch, add a small birthday candle on top of each cupcake.
- Consider making a Honey Smash Cake for the birthday child to dig into!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to get a head start on your party prep, here’s how to make these cupcakes ahead of time:
- Store the baked cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Frost the cupcakes the day of the party for the best texture and flavor.
- If you have leftover cupcakes, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
With these Babies First Birthday Cake cupcakes, you’re sure to create a memorable celebration! Enjoy the smiles and laughter as your little one and their friends indulge in these sweet treats. Happy baking!

Cupcakes for First Birthday
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line 8 muffin cups with liners.
- Mix melted butter and oil, then add maple syrup and egg; beat until combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, then add milk; mix until smooth.
- Divide batter into cups and bake for 20 minutes; cool completely.
- Refrigerate coconut cream overnight; then beat until fluffy, add maple syrup.
- Frost cooled cupcakes with coconut cream and serve.