How to get perfect cup cakes? Mine are always wonky

[AnyDream]

Hello, with a birthday coming up soon, I'm about to hop onto the cupcake roundabout again. And I desperately need help, as mine always turn out wonky.

OK, TBH it's probably my fault for thinking that I can get away with using packet cake mix. I use the small little patty pans inside muffin tins. I'm sure there must be a better way but I've never actually seen a tray with holes in it that are the exact right size for patty pans. I either put too much or too little mix in, and often they cook unevenly so one sides spewing out over the top of the patty pan and sticks to the tray and the other side is ok.

So - I need all you ladies to tell me your secrets - how do you get a perfect cup cake?

[Lucy]

It may not be the patty pans or the packet mix, but your oven.

90% of ovens have hot spots that make baked items rise inelegantly!

My advice would be to use the same packet mix you are using, and use an electric handbeater for more time than the packet suggests, with a about a tablespoon of extra milk. Only half fill the patty cases.

If they do rise wonky, just slice to tops off and ice them flat, or make butterfly cakes!

[Butterfly_Princess]

Hmm when you say "small little patty pans" do you mean the really tiny tiny ones, or the normal cup-cake sized ones??
I use the packet mix on occasion, and use muffin tray to success. Hmm im going to think of if i do anything special that make them even...

ETA: It never occurred to me that it could be your oven. Maybe halfway through you could turn the tin around??

[Rouge]

Clicky ice cream scoop Its my best friend, I have them in numerous sizes. I use a normal sized one for cupcakes but only fill it by half, then click it out and it makes perfect cupcakes. If I'm making muffin size cupcakes then a whole scoop will do. Perfect for large cookies, pancakes you name it! I use a smaller one (melon ball size aka truffle scoop) for mini muffins, regular sized cookies and fritters.

Yeah I only do half - 2/3rds with patty cases. Also it could be that your oven is on a tilt. Do you find other things tip to one side or just the cupcakes?

[Lucy]

Clicky ice cream scoop

Ooooh, I like that idea........Olivia is obsessed with ours as an item of kitchen equipment.......the more legitimate uses the better!

[rufalina]

I LOVE the icecream scoop idea... Going to try that one out next time!!!!!