PERFECT CUPCAKE RECIPE USING A BOX MIX (2024)

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The Perfect Cupcake Recipe using a mix. This is my all time favorite, go to “recipe” for cupcakes. You can use this “trick” to doctor a box cake mix to taste like “from scratch”

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Table of Contents

Cake Mix Recipe For Cupcakes

If you follow thisPerfect Cupcake Recipe using a mix, you will be amazed that your batter is perfectly thick and creamy, not thin and runny like it is when you follow the box instructions.

Now I know it might seem strange that I’m telling you not to follow the instructions. As I write this I feel like I’min an alternate universe where suddenly I’m my husband who likes to make his own instructions for every piece of furniture he puts together (in case you’rewondering yes, I say a little prayer in my head every time I take a seat on a something built by my husband). Just trust me on this one, the alternate universe feeling will be for the best.

For all of you strict rule followers like me, no need to fret, this little trick to doctor a cake mix will be the best rule you’ve ever broken (except for the times you would sneak off campus for lunch in high school because what’s better than getting away from the cafeteria food for an afternoon, am I right?)

Either way, you’re going to thank me for this cake mix recipe especially because once everything is said and done no furniture will be broken, and no detentions will be given.

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WHAT SIZE CAKE MIX DO I USE?

I’ve been making cupcakes and cakes with this cake mix recipe way for over 10 years now, I’m pretty sure box cake mixes have changed in size slightly over the years, but this still works when I use Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker (15.25 ounces).

Basically, you want tojust use the egg as directed on the box — butter in place of oil and just a little less water than the mix says to use.

I know some people prefer to use milk. I’ve tried replacing the water with milk and I wasn’t impressed, so I stick with water for the liquid.

This doctored cake mix recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to make a dessert everyone will remember but maybe doesn’t have the time or the skills to make something from scratch. Everyone will ask what bakery you went to, and that’s when you get to flip your hair and humbly brag that you made them yourself.

The best part of this recipe is it’s not a one-trick pony. Once you know how to doctor the instructions you can use it on any of your favorite box mixes, making you one versatile baking queen.

In case you want to step up your game even a little more, I have a few extra tips for you (you’re welcome)

CUPCAKE TIPS:

When filling cupcake papers – use an ice cream scooper! – One scoop is just the right amount per cupcake!

After cooking your cupcakes in the liner drop your cupcake into a second liner for a picture-perfect look!

I use this cake mix recipe 99% of the time when I make cakesand cupcakesand I always get lots of compliments!

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*Because I get so many emails asking…….YES, you can use this to make a cake too! Cupcakes are just mini cakes. 😉

ThisDark Chocolate Frosted Yellow Cake with Raspberry Preserves is made by doctoring a cake mix too.

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Like this Doctored Cake Mix Recipe? PIN IT!

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This doctored cake mix is a great recipe for beginners or kids to the novice in the kitchen. Toss everything into a large mixing bowl, mix until well combined and your cake mix recipes come out perfect every single time. The fact that they start with a box mix will be our little secret.

Click here for MORE Cupcake Recipes

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Perfect Cupcake Recipe using a mix

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

You can use this trick to make a box cake mix taste like cupcakes or cake are made from scratch.

Ingredients

  • 1 box mix* (any flavor) – but get the good kind, Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350° and line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, butter and water using an electric mixer on low for one minute, then mix on high for one minute.
  3. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each two thirds full.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes and cool completely.

Notes

*In case your wondering if this will work with the box cake mix you want to use: I've been making cupcakes and cakes this way for over 10 years now, I'm pretty sure box cake mixes have changed in size slightly over the years, but this still works.

Basically, you want tojust use the egg as directed on the box — butter in place of oil and just a little less water than the mix says to use.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

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  • Eggnog Cupcakes With Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
  • Vanilla Cupcakes With Pink Strawberry Frosting
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
  • Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
PERFECT CUPCAKE RECIPE USING A BOX MIX (2024)

FAQs

How to make boxed cupcake mix better? ›

Add Milk, Coffee, or Soda

Boxed cakes often call for water, but swapping it out for equal amounts of milk, coffee, or even soda will give you a moister, more tender, and flavorful cake. For white cake mix, you can use whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk.

How many cupcakes can you get out of a box cake mix? ›

BATTER: Generally, a box of cake mix will make 5 cups of batter, which equates to 24 standard cupcakes, 48 mini cupcakes and 12 jumbo cupcakes. FILLING THE CAVITIES: Use a scoop for even proportions. Fill the cavities 2/3 full. Sometimes, your batter will not fill every cavity such as when using a larger muffin pan.

How much cake mix for the perfect cupcake? ›

Fill your cupcake cases 2/3 full – around 3 tablespoons – or one decent ice scream scoop. Avoid filling your cupcake cases with too much batter as they will not bake properly and might overflow when they rise.

How do you make a box cake taste like a bakery cake? ›

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

How do you keep cupcakes moist and fluffy? ›

"Baking fluffy, moist cupcakes is all about creating air bubbles in your batter that expand in the oven," she says. "If you overmix your batter, you collapse those bubbles and end up with a brick-like cake." Always mix at a low speed to avoid this, stopping just as all ingredients blend.

Can you over beat box cake mix? ›

You may know what you get when you overmix cake batter: a dense cake with tough texture (and maybe some unappetizing gluey streaks as well). But far fewer bakers know that undermixing batter can cause the same or similar results.

Can I use box cake mix for cupcakes? ›

Add the cake mix, mayo and water to a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until just combined. Step 3: Bake. Spoon the batter into the cupcake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted has no crumbs clinging to it, about 15 minutes.

What is the perfect size scoop for cupcakes? ›

Scoops are typically numbered, to differentiate between sizes, and a #20 scoop is ideal for portioning cupcake batter. These scoops hold 3 tablespoons of batter, making them perfect for achieving uniform, well-sized cupcakes.

What not to do when baking cupcakes? ›

Baking Cupcake Tips And Mistakes To Avoid
  1. Don't Use Cold Ingredients. Flickr: Jamiesrabbits. ...
  2. Don't Skimp On Ingredients. Flickr: Daniel Hurst Photography. ...
  3. Don't Over Mix The Batter. ...
  4. Don't Eyeball The Batter. ...
  5. Don't Overfill The Cupcake Liners. ...
  6. Don't Forget To Preheat The Oven. ...
  7. Don't Underestimate Oven Thermometers. ...
  8. Don't Peek.
Sep 6, 2013

Are cupcakes better with milk or water? ›

The average cake mix calls for the most boring of liquids: water. Instead of using water, substitute whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, oat, and coconut milk work especially well). The milk adds fat, which results in a better flavor and density in your cake.

What's the most important ingredient in a cupcake? ›

Flour is the main ingredient of the batter and provides the base for the cupcake. Butter or oil provides flavor, tenderizes the batter and helps provide volume.

How to doctor up a box cake mix? ›

Try adding a few of these tips to your box cake mix taste better!
  1. Use milk instead of water. ...
  2. Add extra eggs. ...
  3. Add sugar and flour to the dry mix. ...
  4. Use coffee instead of water for chocolate cakes. ...
  5. Sour Cream is perfect for adding moisture and rich flavor. ...
  6. Pudding adds moisture and flavor.

What does adding an extra egg to cupcakes do? ›

The more eggs that are added, the stronger the physical protein bonds will be. While the yolk also contains some protein, it's more famous for its fattiness. Egg yolks give a smooth, velvety texture to whatever they're added to, whether it's a cake batter or my favorite luscious lemon curd from Bakes by Brown Sugar.

How to make a box cake mix sturdier? ›

How To Make Boxed Cake Denser
  1. Add 2 extra egg yolks. Denseness Ranking (1-5): 3.5. ...
  2. Swap out oil for melted butter. Denseness Ranking (1-5): 3.5. ...
  3. Add 2 mashed ripe bananas, fold in just before baking. ...
  4. Add 1 cup pumpkin purée, fold in just before baking. ...
  5. Swap out water for coconut milk. ...
  6. Swap out oil for ricotta cheese.
May 16, 2023

Can I use milk instead of water in cake mix? ›

Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.

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