Cupcakes vs. Muffins
The main difference between Muffin and Cupcake is frosting. Cupcakes have frosting; muffins do not. Cupcakes are sweet desserts while muffins can be sweet or savory.
Baking Powder vs. Butter and Sugar
Is A muffin the same as a cupcake? Muffins have baking powder to rise. Cupcakes use more butter and sugar for a lighter, sweeter cake. What sets them apart is frosting. Cupcakes have frosting; muffins usually do not.
Frosting Distinction
Is a muffin a cupcake without frosting? Icing is the definitive difference between the two. You can’t have a cupcake without icing and you can’t have a muffin with icing.
The real difference between muffins and cupcakes is all in how the batter is mixed together. Though some cupcakes follow the muffin mixing method, muffins always follow this method.
If you’re wondering if a cupcake pan is the same as a muffin pan, the answer is yes! Though generally called muffin pans, they can be used to bake cupcakes, muffins and even savory items.