A good book of what I would call kids and cute cupcake decor. The chapters are The Basics, Buttercream & Cupcake Recipes, Holidays, Special Occasions, Seasonal, Food, and Animals.
There are just a handful of recipes, so the decor is really meant to be the star here rather than unique flavors of cupcakes. I really liked how each decoration had the list of components and tools needed, and then color photos of each step. The book was definitely written to teach you how to do each of these styles.
Overall, a good book if these types of decorations appeal to you.

I love the Holiday and Seasons sections of this book, so many fun ideas to help you celebrate a number of occasions. I thought the basics section was helpful. It never occurred to me that the metal muffin cups would not be greasy and easier to shape; shows you how often I think before baking.

My favorite cupcakes are the Spooky Skulls, the Witches' Hats, Mister Brain, and the Ghosts, probably because Halloween is my favorite holiday, but also because they are super cute and creative. The Campfires and BBQ Grills cupcakes are also really fun, I am not sure when I would use those designs, but they are awesome.

The author severely underestimates my lack of decorating ability with this title. HOWEVER- my cupcakes may look like a hot mess express, they are going to taste amazing. The author gives wonderful step-by-step instructions for the entirety of the recipe.

Even if you are decorating challenged, like me, you will love this book.

Cupcakes have been the rage for the last several years, and hundreds of books have been written to showcase them; some good and some not so good. Some of the books include dozens of flavors of cupcakes, and others focus more on decorating. Cupcakes for Any Occasion: 50 Clever Creations Anyone Can Make by Rachel Lindsay, is the latter, and is, frankly, one of the most imaginative and fun cookbooks out there. While the cookbook includes several basic cupcake recipes and frostings, it is full of some of the cutest and most fun decorating ideas out there. This one goes the extra mile and emphasizes the author’s amazing talent and imagination.

The recipes are written in the traditional way with the ingredients listed first, followed by step-by-step instructions for successfully baking the cupcakes and for decorating. Lindsay makes a list of what is needed to make decorations – some of her ideas are very clever. The author has included variations, as well as notes. The best part of this excellent book is the presentation of the different decorate cupcakes, which are accompanied by step-by-step photographs of each step. Even beginners will be able to make and decorate their cupcakes to perfection.

Anyone who wants a book on cupcakes will definitely want to pick this one up. The finished cupcakes are mind-blowing, and both adults and children will love it. This one is highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Cupcakes for Any Occasion by Rachel Lindsay, a.k.a. “Caked by Rach” to her over three million social media followers, is a delightful and inspiring guide that transforms cupcake baking and decorating into an accessible, joyful experience, and this is something I do not say lightly. As someone who typically dreads baking — I do it, but I don’t like it — I found myself genuinely excited to try the recipes and designs in this book. Without hesitation, I can say this is the best cupcake book I’ve encountered, perfect for novices and seasoned bakers alike.

The book features 20 delectable cupcake and frosting recipes, paired with over 50 creative decorating projects tailored for holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more. From whimsical Halloween ghosts and festive Christmas trees to charming butterflies and even playful spaghetti and meatballs designs, Lindsay’s creations are as imaginative as they are approachable. (Her skull cupcakes really spoke to me.) Each project is accompanied by detailed, step-by-step photography and straightforward instructions, making complex-looking designs achievable for bakers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly use a pastry bag, your questions are answered here — that alone, in my opinion, is worth the price of the book.

What sets this book apart is its focus on simplicity and affordability. Lindsay uses basic tools and techniques that anyone can master. The recipes for cupcake bases and buttercream frostings are versatile, allowing endless mix-and-match possibilities to suit any occasion. Her clear guidance on essential baking and decorating methods ensures that even those with no prior experience—like myself—can produce stunning, professional-looking results.

For added value, pairing the book with Lindsay’s online videos (available on platforms like Instagram and YouTube) enhances the learning experience, offering visual demonstrations that complement the written instructions.

Cupcakes for Any Occasion is a foolproof guide that delivers. Whether you’re a reluctant baker or a cupcake enthusiast, this book will leave you eager to whip up your next batch of show-stopping cupcakes.

Highly recommended for bakers of all ages and skill levels!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun creative cookbook! The recipes are easy to follow. I'm excited to try the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes and Cookie Dough Cupcakes. There are lots of fun ways to decorate cupcakes for various holidays and events that seem easy to make and I'm excited to try. There are photos of every step which is really helpful. I would recommend this to both beginners and pros! Special Thank You to Rachel Lindsay, DK and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great cookbook. Very easy-to-follow recipes. I can't wait to try these recipes. I would highly recommend this book.

Cute cookbook with step by step directions on how to make so many fun cupcakes.
She also shows things you can do to your cupcakes to shape them so that they cook a certain way.
If you are looking for some fun and different ideas for cupcakes for tons of occasions this would be a good one to check out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This cookbook is a lot of fun. There are so many creative ideas for decorating cupcakes that I’d love to try (I particularly loved the cactus cupcakes!) If you’re looking for playful cupcake ideas for parties or any occasion, this is an excellent resource!

As an amateur baker who has dabbled in various cupcake books to deliver on birthday themes and class parties, I was not sure if this would add any value over what I could find online or in the books I already own. Surprise! Surprise! While there was nothing rocket science about the designs in this book, they were lovely in their simplicity both in how they looked but (more critically) in their execution. The introduction was nothing earth shattering, speaking about the implements of the trade and then introducing some good solid recipes to use for pretty much any icing or cupcake mix. Or the more popular ones anyway. It did the job especially if this is the first book someone picked up as their guide.

What really made this book stand out though (to me) was the variety of really simple decorations that look way more complicated. Lindsay really does a good job picking out visually appealing cupcake ideas for each season or event and then walking through how to make them. The instructions are clear, with photos at all the key points, and the end results are the kind that anyone could replicate on not just one but on dozens of cupcakes. I also learned a few things, including how to use a piping tip to get certain looks (i.e. tree) on a cake. And then to pipe over a pretzel or pocky to build up a standing item with buttercream. I'm sure that I have seen those techniques in finished products before, but I never saw them covered in any of the books I have or the Instagram reals I have watched so far.

All in all, there is a lot in this relatively short book; and I would say it's well worth it for someone looking to make cute cupcakes for events and celebrations. And the kind that anyone can do. Not sure a professional.

Who doesn't love cupcakes? I just had to read this book.

Like most cookbooks, this one starts with some background information and a list of equipment. What is different about this one, that I found helpful is the list of piping tips used in the creations. I only have a few tips so far so this can help me with my shopping list.

There are also detailed instructions on how to work with colors of buttercreams and how to work with candy melts.

Chapter 2 contains recipes for different batters and buttercreams. Besides the requisite chocolate and vanilla, there's red velvet, peanut butter and jelly, rainbow, carrot and other delicious batter choices.

And then comes the fun part. Step by step instructions and photos for making creative cupcakes, such as a love monster (think about a take on a cookie monster), shamrocks and a pot of gold, Easter chicks, ghosts, turkeys, Christmas trees and snowmen... Of course there are creative cupcakes for those special occasions in our lives. And specialty cupcakes for the seasons. Cupcakes that look like food, cupcakes that look like animals. All of the cupcakes are so much fun and the step by step photographs make the instructions even easier to understand.

I can see Moms and Grandmothers loving this book, and it's got such creative ideas that professional cupcake bakers may also want to get some ideas.

Thank you to Netgalley for this e-copy of Cupcakes for Any Occasion by Rachel Lindsay in exchange for a honest review.This book has step by step instructions for making 50 different types of cupcakes.All the ingredients needed for each different recipe including piping materials .are included I love how everything is simplified and photographs for each step is also included.This book will give even amateur bakers the ability to create culinary masterpieces.

This is one fun book! My two daughters have hit all of the TV baking competitions HARD lately, and they are totally convinced that they would win a baking competition themselves. If I'm being honest, their skills are a *little* questionable, but with the help of this book, they are able to learn just about everything they would need to know in order to give those other competitors a run for their money! This book is the creme de la creme of informative and relatable baking books and really speaks to bakers of all ages. Gorgeous photos, easy to follow recipes, and inspiring recipes!

This is a great cupcake cookbook! I loved the step by step why the book is laid out. The introduction with ingredients and different techniques, followed by different recipes, and then lastly the cupcake ideas. These ideas are so much fun! I thought the instructions were easy to follow and I appreciated the inclusion of pictures for some of the shaping ideas. After reading through this book, I felt inspired to get creative with cupcakes for my next event!