Muffin Pot: How to Make Weed Cupcakes

The world of edibles stays exciting and popular as more states legalize medical and/or recreational cannabis use. In Colorado, for example, where medical and recreational are both legal, edibles sales have a huge impact. Over four million cannabis treats were sold in 2014 – a whopping 45% of all cannabis sales.¹

Nowadays, there is a massive array of edible types, which may help explain, in part, the popularity. One specific sweet treat continues to gain recognition in the cannabis community: weed cupcakes.

They’re individually portioned and more convenient than slicing up brownies or cake. There are also countless options for weed cupcake flavors, textures, and even effects. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a long-time fan, this guide explores these cupcakes and the tasty options they offer.

What Are Weed Cupcakes?

Weed cupcakes are cupcakes with cannabis butter or oil added to the batter or frosting. Both options are a great way to make a tasty treat that disguises the flavor of the intoxicating plant. 

How potent are these cannabis cupcakes? That comes down to the individual product or homemade recipe. The strength of the cupcakes can differ, especially if they’re homemade. In fact, the consistency of potency can vary even between cupcakes in the same batch because of potentially uneven THC distribution.

It’s important to understand this because it affects how much you need to eat to see the effects. Likewise, it’ll help you understand how you’ll feel after eating them.

Determining Dosage/Serving Size

So – should you eat a whole weed cupcake? Probably not all at once, although the answer depends on several factors.

First, decide what effects you’re seeking. Some consumers like a consistent buzz to dull symptoms and fuel them through the day. Others may want it for more recreational purposes, warranting a larger dose.

Next, consider your personal cannabis tolerance, as well as past experiences with edibles. Is this your first time eating them? Do you have a particularly high weed tolerance? Alternatively, are you especially sensitive to the plant?

Then, try to gauge potency. Some edibles may contain 10, 20, 100, or more milligrams of THC. If it’s homemade, try to calculate the potency from the THC percentage of the cannabis butter.

Regardless, it’s a smart move to start with a small piece, especially if you’re new to edibles. Wait for about 1 to 2 hours to see how it affects you before eating more. 

Eating the whole cupcake right away, especially if it's potent, can make you feel uncomfortably high. Taking it slow and being cautious is important when trying weed cupcakes.

Effects of Weed Cupcakes

As many consumers already know, THC’s effects take longer to kick in from edibles compared to smoking or dabbing. Typically, it may take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in after eating an edible. Then, they peak over an even wider range of two to six hours.

The overall duration of effects can be quite long, in some cases lasting 8 to 12 hours.² Starting with a small portion is key to having a safe, responsible, and enjoyable experience with weed cupcakes.

Why Make Edible Cupcakes?

Canna cupcakes have unique qualities that set them apart from other edibles. Likewise, there are several advantages to making these sweet treats. There are also general benefits to making edibles instead of using flower or dabs.

Advantages of Edibles

Precise Dosage

Compared to flower or concentrates, dispensary-bought and tested edibles allow for more precise dosing. That makes it easier to control the strength of each serving, which is especially beneficial for medical users who require specific doses.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Edibles typically produce longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping, as they’re more potent. The high from edibles can last several hours, providing a sustained experience.

More Discreet Consumption

Edibles, including cannabis cupcakes, provide a discreet way to enjoy cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping. That’s particularly appealing for consumers who want to keep their cannabis use private.

Advantages of Canna Cupcakes

There are benefits to making weed cupcakes, in particular, instead of more classic brownies or other edible treats.

Versatility

Cupcakes offer a wide range of flavors, frostings, fillings, and toppings. The versatility means your cupcake experience can always suit your taste preferences.

Individual Portioning

There's no need to worry about cutting slices or storing a large cake; enjoy one cupcake at a time. Each cupcake provides a single, controlled dose of cannabis, reducing the risk of overconsumption. 

The portioning is convenient, as you can easily share or take just one cupcake with you. That makes cupcakes suitable for various social settings.

Portability

Cupcakes are an excellent choice for on-the-go consumption. Carry them in a small container or wrap them individually for a discreet, convenient way to enjoy cannabis.

What You'll Need

Since edible cupcakes in the same batch may have an inconsistent THC amount, it’s important to understand how to make edibles with consistent doses before you gather your equipment and ingredients. Doing so will make your infused cupcakes recipe potent and accurate, which is a win-win.

Tools and Equipment

• Oven
• Cupcake Pan
• Cupcake Liners
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk or Electric Mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Saucepan
• Strainer or Cheesecloth
• Decarboxylator (optional, but a convenient time-saver!)

Ingredients

• Desired Cannabis Cupcakes Strain (The specific strain you choose will impact the flavor and effects of your cupcakes. Select a strain that suits your preferences!)
• Unsalted Butter or Cooking Oil (Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil)
• All-Purpose Flour (Or substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.)
• Granulated Sugar (Ensure the sugar is organic for vegan cupcakes.)
• Eggs (Or vegan egg substitute, flax eggs, non-dairy yogurt, or aquafaba) 
• Milk or Buttermilk (Or substitute unsweetened cashew, almond, or soy milk.)
• Baking Powder
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• Frosting Ingredients (optional and tasty)

Alternatively

• Desired Cannabis Strain
• Cannabis Sugar
• Box of Cupcake Mix (store-bought is perfect)
• Other Ingredients Listed on the Box

Keep in mind that you can make your own spin of any infused cupcakes recipe. The choice is yours on whether you even make it from scratch or simply add cannabutter to a store-bought box.

Do what makes you feel comfortable, and don’t feel confined to a specific recipe.

Decarbing Your Weed: The Basics

Since you’re not smoking it, you can’t exactly light up to activate the THC. Decarboxylation is a process where you use heat to activate the THC in edibles. Typically, and for the purpose of this guide, that’s done in the oven.

Research suggests maximum THC production occurs at different temperatures and times.³ The research finds that these are the most effective decarboxylation times:

• 145°C (293°F) for 10 minutes
• 130°C (266°F) for 15 minutes
• 110°C (230°F) for 20 minutes

Settle on a baking temperature and time so you can ensure you have rich, decarbed flower. Then, use an edibles dosage calculator to know the potency of your weed cupcakes.

How to Make Weed Cupcakes

Before getting started, ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature. Let them both sit out for at least a half-hour before starting the infused cupcakes recipe.  You can also place the eggs and container of butter in warm water – not hot – for 10 minutes. And there are easy substitutes to accommodate dietary restrictions if you are vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable, canola, or olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

Vegan: 

• Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of dairy butter.
• Ensure the sugar is organic.
• Use vegan egg substitutes, flax eggs, non-dairy yogurt, or aquafaba instead of eggs.
• Use unsweetened soy, cashew, or almond milk in place of dairy milk.

Allergen-Free: Refer to the vegan options for alternatives to dairy and eggs. Most other ingredients are not common allergens, so just be sure to avoid any others in flavoring your cupcakes.

Directions

1. Decarb the cannabis, then prepare the infused butter. Skip this step if you have cannabutter ready!
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners for less mess.
3. Mix the dry ingredients, including the flour or flour alternative, baking powder, and salt. Mix well, then set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, cream the cannabutter and sugar or sugar alternative together. Stop when the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated into the fluffy mixture. Then, add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture and milk to the wet mixture, alternating between the dry mixture and milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cupcakes dense!
7. Scoop the cupcake batter into the liners to about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick-clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool, frost, and add any other desired toppings.

Remember to consume canna cupcakes responsibly, especially considering the potential potency. Start with a small portion, wait for the effects to kick in, and adjust your dosage as needed. Enjoy your homemade canna cupcakes!

How to Store Your Weed Cupcakes

The best way to store weed cupcakes is in an airtight container. There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to storing cannabis, though.

Protect the cupcakes from light and, ideally, store them in the fridge or freezer. Just remember that you shouldn’t put them in the microwave to reheat them. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer/fridge and let thaw at room temperature for around 30 minutes.

Under ideal conditions, at room temperature, weed cupcakes stay good for three to four days. Storing in the fridge can increase shelf life to two to three weeks. In the freezer they can stay good for as long as six months.

References

1. Barrus DG, Capogrossi KL, Cates SC, et al. Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. 2016;2016:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611. doi:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.161 ↩︎
2. Blake A, Nahtigal I. The evolving landscape of cannabis edibles. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2019;28:25-31. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cofs.2019.03.009 ↩︎
3. Chen PX, Rogers MA. Opportunities and challenges in developing orally administered cannabis edibles. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2019;28:7-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cofs.2019.02.005 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.