Should Cupcakes Be Flat Or Domed? Explained

Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Lori Walker

Cupcakes, beloved for their **delicious flavors and versatility**, have become a top pick for birthdays and weddings. They always spread joy and excitement at any celebration!

But one important decision needs to be made regarding cupcakes: should they be flat or domed?

This question has been debated among baking enthusiasts for years, and both options have pros and cons.

Let’s explore both sides of the argument and the factors deciding whether cupcakes should be flat or domed.

Table of Contents

What Should Cupcakes Be: Flat Or Domed?

Both flat and domed cupcake styles have advantages and disadvantages, so the choice is usually based on personal preference.

Flat cupcakes are the most popular choice for a classic, traditional look, and they also tend to be moister. Flat cupcakes also have a more uniform shape and size, which is preferred for many designs.

On the downside, flat cupcakes can be denser and less moist than domed cupcakes, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a light, fluffy cake.

Domed cupcakes [1] have a rounded top, which is achieved by using more baking powder or baking soda in the batter.

They also have a more voluminous look and are ideal for decorating with meringue or buttercream swirls.

However, domed cupcakes can be tricky to work with, as their rounded shape makes it difficult to get a uniform finish when decorating.

Find out the reasons why your cupcakes are flat here.

How To Fix Domed Cupcakes

When cupcakes have domed tops, the most common way to fix them is to level them off. This can be done using a knife, cupcake corer, or a small spoon.

Start by using the tool of your choice to press into the center and remove the dome gently. Work slowly and carefully, ensuring not to remove too much of the cupcake.

Once the dome is gone, use a knife to even out the top. This can be done by rotating the knife around the cupcake’s top and ensuring all parts are even.

Finally, add frosting and other decorations to the cupcake. But how can you start baking as a hobby?

How To Frost Domed Cupcakes

To frost domed cupcakes, use a largemouth icing tip and a pastry bag filled with icing.

Pipe a thick layer of icing over the cupcake, beginning from the center and working your way out in a circular motion until the cupcake is fully covered.

Use a spoon to spread the icing evenly over the cupcake and create a gentle curve for a smooth dome-like shape. Finish by applying a second layer of icing to create a beautiful, glossy finish.

Read: Can Cake Batter Be Made In Advance?

How Do You Make Cupcakes Rise Perfectly?

First, use the right ingredients in the right proportions. Use only fresh ingredients, such as baking powder, baking soda, and eggs, and make sure they are all at room temperature.

Second, mix ingredients thoroughly, but be careful not to overmix.

Finally, preheat the oven to the correct temperature before putting the cupcakes in.

Find out how to prevent sprinkles from bleeding on top of your cupcake here.

How Do You Get The Perfect Cupcake Shape?

To get the perfect cupcake shape, the most important step is to fill the cupcake liner properly. Start by filling the liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

Then, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to distribute the batter and ensure it is level evenly.

“Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I wanted a cupcake, I did not have one.”
– David Grayson, Writer/Speaker/Advisor

After baking, the cupcakes should have a nice, rounded shape. Additionally, preheat the oven and bake the cupcakes on the middle rack to ensure the cupcakes don’t sink in the middle.

Check out some gender-reveal cupcake ideas here.

Tips On How To Make The Best Cupcakes

Use the right cupcake pan – Make sure you use cupcake pans that have the right size and shape for the cupcakes you want to make.
Preheat the oven – Preheat your oven to the proper temperature before baking your cupcakes.
Measure ingredients accurately – Measure your ingredients carefully to ensure that your cupcakes have the right texture and flavor.
Use a cookie cutter – If you want to make cupcakes with unique shapes, try using a cookie cutter to cut out your cupcake shapes.
Use a piping bag – If you want to make cupcakes with intricate designs, try using a piping bag and different decorating tips to make your desired shapes.
Use cupcake liners – To ensure that cupcakes will not stick to the pan, use cupcake liners that best fit your cupcake shapes.
Let them cool – Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the pan.

Read:

FAQs

How do you flatten cupcakes after baking?

Once cupcakes have been baked, you can flatten them by using the back of a spoon or a spatula to press down on the top of the cupcake lightly.

This will help create a flatter surface. If you need to flatten cupcakes even more, you can use a rolling pin to roll over the top of the cupcake gently.

Find out how long it takes for cupcakes to cool down here.

Can cupcakes be crispy on top?

Yes, cupcakes can be crispy on top. To get a crispy top, brush the tops of your cupcakes with a bit of melted butter or brush on some egg whites before baking.

You can also sprinkle coarse or sand sugar [2] on the tops before baking for a crunchy texture.

Find out if you can leave cupcakes out overnight here.

Why are my cupcakes so domed?

Your cupcakes are domed because you may have added too much baking powder or baking soda to the recipe, leading to excess leavening and a more domed shape.

Another possibility is that your oven is not properly calibrated, leading to cupcakes that bake too quickly and become domed.

Finally, you could be overmixing the batter, adding too much air and leading to the domed shape.

Key Takeaways

Whether cupcakes should be flat or domed is a matter of personal preference.

Some people may prefer flat cupcakes for their simplicity and ease of decoration, while others may prefer domed cupcakes for a more voluminous texture.

Ultimately, it is up to the baker to decide which shape is best for their recipe.

References:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/212429/red-velvet-cupcakes/
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-sanding-sugar-5202941

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].