How to Eat a Cupcake the Right Way

Let’s talk about cupcakes. Growing up, I was never a big fan of regular cake. The slices were too big and I was never a huge fan of the frosting distribution. So what did I turn to instead? Cupcakes, of course! They were the perfect size for a couple hearty bites, and I was always blessed with just the right amount of buttercream frosting. The only problem was trying not to get frosting everywhere on my face.

But have you seen Anne Hathaway’s genius cupcake hack? She’s showing us all how to eat a cupcake the right way.

What’s Anne’s Cupcake Trick?

Normally when we’re chowing down on some super cute cupcakes during a special occasion, we go face first for a balanced bite of cake and frosting. Here’s the problem: frosting begins to cover every inch of your mouth and nose. While it’s not the worst thing in the world, it can get a bit annoying (and sticky). Anne Hathaway has a much better way of eating cupcakes, and we can’t believe we didn’t think of this before.

@kellyclarksonshow Never eating cupcakes the same way again 😱 #annehathaway #cupcake #kellyclarkson #hack ♬ original sound – Kelly Clarkson Show

She showed this little trick off while she was on the Kelly Clarkson show. What you want to do is take the top half of the cupcake right under the frosting and pull it apart from the bottom half. Now flip the top half over and squish the two separate pieces together. You should have what looks like a cupcake sandwich with frosting in the middle. Genius!

Is This the Best Way to Eat a Cupcake?

Yes! No more annoying plops of frosting finding their way up your nose. Not only that, the frosting sandwich makes the cupcake experience even more delicious. It’s basically the perfect bite every time. Plus, this method will keep your kids entertained and clean-ish while they’re celebrating with friends. It’s all about innovation!

What other foods are you eating wrong? Here’s how to eat Oreos and how to eat mac and cheese.

Homemade Cupcakes We Can't Resist

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Taste of Home

Pink Velvet Cupcakes

My daughter loves all things pink, so this recipe was just right for her birthday. Even my teenage son (not a fan of pink) ate his share, too. —Paulette Smith, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Go to Recipe

S’mores Cupcakes

Marshmallow frosting puts these cupcakes over the top. Pieces of chocolate bars and graham cracker crumbs on top make them extra indulgent and even more like the real thing—but better! —Erin Rachwal, Hartland, Wisconsin

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Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa

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Cupcake Easter Baskets

These cute cupcakes with their mild orange flavor are fun to dress up for Easter. As we raised four sons and a daughter, I prepared many, many school lunches and often added these springtime treats. —Julie Johnston, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

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Boston Cream Cupcakes

Boston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

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Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

These indulgent vegan chocolate cupcakes have no butter, eggs or dairy milk, but you'd never guess it. This recipe is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings that include guests with food restrictions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Maple Carrot Cupcakes

I come from a line of family cooks and have liked to cook and bake since I was young. Mother and Grandmom were always in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. These carrot cupcakes were Grandmom's specialty, and we always have them at family gatherings. —Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Vineland, New Jersey

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Oreo Cupcakes with Cookies and Cream Frosting

Kids and adults alike will find these Oreo cupcakes irresistible. If you want to pipe the frosting, be sure to thoroughly crush the cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Decorate these simple gluten-free vanilla cupcakes for any special occasion or holiday. Since the frosting recipe includes cream cheese, be sure to refrigerate leftovers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Brownie Kiss Cupcakes

It's fun to prepare individual brownie "cupcakes" with a chocolaty "surprise" inside. My goddaughter, Cara, asks me to make them for her birthday to share at school. This year, she requested 32. I later found out she only needed 27 for her class...wonder where the other five went! -Pamela Lute, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

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Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting

Fresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter Cupcakes

I've been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this peanut butter cupcake recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan

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Arnold Palmer Cupcakes

These fun cupcakes take a favorite Arnold Palmer recipe and turn it into dessert. Add a slice of lemon on top for a puckery finish. —Jessee Arriaga, Reno, Nevada

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Aloha Cupcakes

A friend asked me to make a coconut and pineapple cupcake for a gathering she was hosting. Everyone agreed that this beauty took them to the tropics. The macadamia nuts are completely optional (the friend happens to be allergic), and the cupcakes are still fantastic without them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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Yellow Cupcakes

Nothing is better than homemade cupcakes. This yellow cupcake recipe makes delicious and fluffy treats. To top them, choose whatever frosting you want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Carrot Blueberry Cupcakes

Carrots, blueberries, pineapple and zucchini make an interesting and delicious combination in these unique little treats.—Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.

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Lemon Cream Cupcakes

Instead of a layer cake, serve guests these delicate cupcakes tinged with a tangy lemon flavor. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

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Taste of Home

Cherry Cheese Cupcakes

These pretty cream cheese cups that look like cupcakes are always my home-baked contribution to our church's Christmas party. The holidays inspired the cheery garnish of cherries, and I often add mint leaves for even more seasonal color. —Leanne Beagley, Rochester, New York

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Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

My son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes give them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario

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Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes

My husband's love for classic peanut butter and jelly inspired this recipe. The strawberry buttercream and peanut butter frosting are a delicious combination. —Kelly McCrea, North Kingsville, Ohio

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Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes

Smooth cream cheese inside makes these cupcakes so rich. The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips comes through in every yummy bite. You'll be asked to make them again and again. —Shirley Dunbar, Mojave, California

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Coconut Dream Cupcakes

My daughter, Elizabeth, came up with this incredible recipe. The cream cheese in the middle is a fun surprise when someone takes their first bite. —Julie Flournoy, Laurelville, OH

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Tres Leches Cupcakes

This cupcake version of tres leches cake actually uses four types of milk, including the cream, but "quatro leches cake" just doesn’t have the same delicious ring to it. If you love dairy, you won’t be disappointed with this special take on the classic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Hummingbird Cupcakes

Turn the traditional hummingbird cake—flavored with pineapple, bananas and walnuts—into a bite-sized treat with these moist cupcakes. —Jessie Oleson, Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Key Lime Cupcakes

I made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine's Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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If you loved these, you won't be able to resist these fall cupcakes.

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

We love using this simple vegan vanilla cupcake recipe as a base to layer on extra flavor. Stir in grated orange zest and chopped pecans, vegan chocolate chips and cinnamon, or your own favorite mix-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

I have baked cupcakes for years. These easy to make treats make an attractive dessert for special occasions. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri

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Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

I bake over 200 of these cupcakes for our church suppers, and we always run out. If you can't find Key lime juice, use lime juice. Just add a tad more sugar. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

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Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting

Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri

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Berry-Topped White Cupcakes

Guests just love these yummy white cupcakes that are topped with a cream cheese frosting. The strawberry-blueberry garnish makes them the perfect treat for a patriotic-themed party on Memorial Day or Fourth of July. —Judy Kenninger, Brownsburg, Indiana

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Zucchini Cupcakes

I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

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Coconut Cupcakes

I took these coconut cupcakes to a picnic one year, and they went like hotcakes! I should have made a double batch. With their creamy frosting and sprinkling of coconut, they appeal to just about anybody.—Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

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Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love to serve lighter desserts that will satisfy those with a sweet tooth. I make these every Christmas Eve, but they're marvelous any time of the year. —Sara Pleso, Sparta Tennessee.

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Taste of Home

Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes

A delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania

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Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes

Simple and delicious, this is our all-time favorite low-fat dessert. You'll be surprised how well the citrus flavor comes through in every bite.

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TASTE OF HOME

Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes

You only need a few baking staples to throw together these gooey delights. Boxed cake mix and a can of frosting make them fast, but caramel, walnuts and chocolate chips tucked inside make them memorable. We like them with ice cream. —Bev Spain, Belleville, Ohio

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Coconut Tres Leches Cupcakes

Three types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Peanut-Filled Devil's Food Cupcakes

This recipe features a luscious peanut butter filling surrounded by devil's food and then iced with a rich layer of ganache. They're to die for! —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

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Creme de Menthe Cupcakes

We use creme de menthe liqueur (the term means "mint cream" in French) to add a cool touch to these impressive mascarpone-frosted cupcakes. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

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