Einkorn Cupcakes – Wholesome, Soft, and Delicious
Einkorn cupcakes bring together the charm of traditional baking with the ancient goodness of einkorn flour.
Einkorn is the oldest form of wheat, known for being easier to digest and rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
These cupcakes offer a naturally nutty, buttery flavor and a tender crumb that stands out from regular cupcakes.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier treat or want to explore ancient grains, these cupcakes make a lovely addition to your recipe list.
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Cooling & Decorating | Total Time | Servings | Special Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 18-22 mins | 20 mins | ~55 mins | 12 | Einkorn Flour |
Ingredients (with Alternatives)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Einkorn flour | 1½ cups | Whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp | — |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | — |
| Butter (softened) | ½ cup | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
| Honey or maple syrup | ½ cup | Coconut sugar or agave syrup |
| Eggs | 2 large | Flax-eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 5 tbsp water) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Almond extract |
| Whole milk | ½ cup | Oat milk or almond milk |
| Optional: Lemon zest | 1 tsp | Orange zest for citrus twist |
Instruments You’ll Need
| Instrument | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin | Silicone molds |
| Cupcake liners | Greased muffin pan |
| Mixing bowls | Any large & medium bowls |
| Electric mixer | Hand whisk |
| Spatula | Wooden spoon |
| Ice cream scoop | Tablespoon or measuring cup |
| Cooling rack | Clean tray with parchment paper |
How to Make Einkorn Cupcakes
Let’s walk through this recipe step-by-step so you can bake these cupcakes with confidence and get the best texture out of einkorn flour.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease each cavity.
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ½ cup honey or maple syrup until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and optional lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups einkorn flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
Add the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup milk. Stir just until combined—do not overmix, as einkorn is more delicate than modern wheat.
Step 2: Bake
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Step 3: Cool and Decorate
Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, top with your favorite frosting.
Cream cheese, whipped honey butter, or light vanilla buttercream pair beautifully with the nutty notes of einkorn.
Variations to Try (with Instructions)
These spins on einkorn cupcakes add extra flavor and personality. Here’s how to make each version:
Chocolate Einkorn Cupcakes
Add ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry mix and increase milk by 2 tbsp for added moisture. The cocoa deepens the nuttiness of einkorn and creates a rich cupcake.
Einkorn Lemon Cupcakes
Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tsp lemon zest to the wet ingredients. Use a lemon glaze (lemon juice + powdered sugar) instead of frosting for a fresh, citrusy finish.
Einkorn Berry Cupcakes
Gently fold ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the final batter.
Toss berries in flour before mixing to prevent sinking. Bake slightly longer if needed.
Einkorn Carrot Cupcakes
Add ¾ cup finely grated carrots, ¼ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. This version becomes a soft, lightly spiced carrot cake.
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: Frosted cupcakes last up to 4 days in the fridge. Let sit at room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked, unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overmixing batter | Dense cupcakes | Mix until just combined |
| Cupcakes too dry | Einkorn absorbs more liquid | Don’t overbake and ensure accurate liquids |
| Cupcakes not rising evenly | Uneven oven heat | Preheat oven fully and rotate tray halfway |
| Sticky tops after cooling | Too much humidity | Cool completely and store in dry space |
Conclusion
Einkorn cupcakes are a beautiful blend of tradition and modern baking. With a warm, nutty flavor and tender crumb, they offer a wholesome twist on everyday cupcakes.
They’re easy to customize, simple to bake, and perfect for health-conscious bakers or anyone curious about ancient grains. Once you try them, you may never go back to regular flour!
