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Homemade The Best Cake Mix Cupcakes photo

The Best Cake Mix Cupcakes

These cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and incredibly easy to whip up—a delightful treat for any occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (13.25-15.25 oz.)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (whole for richness)
  • 1 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 box vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz. package)
  • 1 cup sour cream
For the Frosting (Optional):
  • 1 cup salted butter (softened, 2 sticks)
  • 2-3 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 cup cocoa powder (if making chocolate frosting)
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 Tbsp whole milk or cream (for frosting)

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.
  2. Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin - Line your muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This makes for easy clean-up and helps prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add Pudding and Sour Cream - To the wet mixture, add the box of vanilla instant pudding and sour cream. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin - Using a spatula or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
  6. Step 6: Bake - Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Cool the Cupcakes - Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Step 8: Make the Frosting - While the cupcakes are cooling, beat the softened salted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the cocoa powder (if using) and powdered sugar, alternating with whole milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Add vanilla extract for flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • Experiment with different cake mixes for a variety of flavors!
  • Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.