I think I finally got it! I have been modifying boxed cake mixes for years, always searching for the perfect cupcake recipe. With this one, I think I finally got it.
The cake is moist with just the right amount of sponginess. The frosting is smooth and creamy without letting the powdered sugar flavor take over.
I’m in love. 🙂
Cupcakes with Boxed Cake Mix
- Boxed mix
- Dry instant pudding mix
- Vegetable oil and water, according to recipe on box
- Use only egg WHITES, same amount as recipe on box
Preheat oven to 350* (convection). Mix cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Mix until smooth. Scoop 3 tbsp into paper-lined cupcake cups.
Bake for 15-17 minutes, just until the cake bounces back when touched, meaning your finger doesn’t leave an impression on the cupcake anymore.
Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooking rack. Cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 bag chocolate chips (melted, then cooled to room temperature)
- Powdered sugar to reach best texture (1/2 to 1 cup)
- Chocolate frosting: add 1 tsp of instant coffee
- All other frostings: 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
Mix room temperature chips and room temperature butter with WHISK until smooth. (The whisk makes for more airy frosting, perfect for piping!) Add vanilla or instant coffee, depending on flavor. Slowly add powdered sugar one scoop (a few tbsp) at a time until firm peaks form. Pipe onto cool cupcakes.
I’m toying with combos, but so far, we love:
White cake mix with White Chocolate pudding — White Chocolate chips for frosting
Yellow cake mix with French Vanilla pudding — Milk Chocolate chips (with instant coffee) for frosting
Lemon cake mix with Lemon pudding — Vanilla chips for frosting
Other ideas:
Chocolate cake mix with Chocolate pudding — Caramel chips for frosting
Chocolate cake mix with Coconut Cream pudding – Caramel chips for frosting (turtle cupcakes!)
Strawberry cake mix with Cheesecake pudding — White Chocolate chips for frosting
White cake mix with Coconut Cream pudding — Butterscotch chips for frosting
Confetti cake mix with Vanilla pudding — confetti/vanilla chips for frosting (maybe with sprinkles mixed in)
Spice cake mix with Cheesecake pudding — Pumpkin spice chips for frosting