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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Related Posts:

  • Eggnog Cupcakes With Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
  • Easy Pastel Spring Cupcakes For Easter
  • Vanilla Cupcakes With Pink Strawberry Frosting
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
PERFECT CUPCAKE RECIPE USING A BOX MIX (2024)

FAQs

How many cupcakes can you make from a box of 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.

What is the secret to good cupcakes? ›

Top Tips for Baking Better Cupcakes
  • Read the Recipe. Read the recipe all the way through first. ...
  • Check Oven Temperature. ...
  • Check the Dates. ...
  • Substitute with Caution. ...
  • Use the Right Temperature. ...
  • Take Time to Sift. ...
  • Measure with Care. ...
  • Cream the Ingredients.

How to make Betty Crocker box mix better? ›

6 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Boxed Cake Mix
  1. Add an Extra Egg.
  2. Add Milk, Coffee, or Soda.
  3. Use Butter Instead of Oil.
  4. Add Instant Pudding.
  5. Up the Flavor with an Extract or Citrus Zest.
  6. Top the Cake with Homemade Frosting.
Oct 19, 2023

How do you make a box cake taste like it came from the bakery? ›

8 Ways To Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade
  1. Swap Oil for Melted Butter.
  2. Exchange Water for Dairy.
  3. Enhance With Extracts.
  4. Incorporate Sour Cream or Mayo.
  5. Add Nuts.
  6. Make Homemade Frosting.
  7. Layer With Fillings.
  8. Turn it into a Poke Cake.
Apr 12, 2024

What does adding an extra egg to cupcakes do? ›

Eggs are responsible for giving baked goods structure, which means the amount you use directly affects the resulting texture. Using too few eggs will make your desserts dense, but using too many will make them rubbery. The explanation for this lies in the fact that eggs are made up of protein.

What not to do when making cupcakes? ›

Mistakes You Need To Avoid When Making Cupcakes
  1. Not letting the oven preheat. ...
  2. Opening the oven during baking. ...
  3. Not properly measuring ingredients. ...
  4. Using low quality or expired ingredients. ...
  5. Using the wrong ingredients. ...
  6. Frosting too soon. ...
  7. Frosting too much or too little. ...
  8. Using ingredients that are too cold.
Jan 31, 2023

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.

Are cupcakes better with milk or water? ›

Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake. Or, if you prefer, you can add buttermilk, giving your cake a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.

Is Betty Crocker better with oil or butter? ›

It depends on the recipe. Oil can result in a moister cake, it makes better salad dressing and works best in marinades. Anyhoo, I noticed on the back of the new Betty Crocker cake mixes that there is an option to make them with oil and water, instead of the butter and milk.

What do you add to a box cake mix to make it moist? ›

Boxed cake mixes tend to be lighter in consistency, but if you're craving that thicker, moister, denser cake, then all you have to do is add an extra egg to your mix. The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor.

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 can I add to my box cake mix to make it moist? ›

Boxed cake mixes tend to be lighter in consistency, but if you're craving that thicker, moister, denser cake, then all you have to do is add an extra egg to your mix. The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor.

How do you perk up a box cake mix? ›

Even better, most are super easy, with items you probably already have in your kitchen.
  1. Add an extra egg. Adding an extra egg to a boxed cake recipe is a longtime trick to amp up the moisture and density. ...
  2. Swap milk for water. ...
  3. Or try coffee … or soda! ...
  4. Add mayonnaise. ...
  5. Add a box of instant pudding.
Aug 12, 2020

How to make boxed cupcakes more dense? ›

You can try any of the following: adding a 1 oz. package of pudding (any flavor that complements the cake's flavor profile), adding 1-2 egg yolks (along with the eggs called for on the box), or substituting milk for the water called for on the box. I hope this is helpful to you. Happy baking!

What to put in the bottom of a cupcake pan? ›

Cooling cupcakes and muffins in the tin traps any steam, causing condensation and soggy bottoms. The verdict: Adding uncooked rice to the bottom of your muffin tins before baking can prevent paper liners from taking on greasy streaks, but it didn't create lighter and fluffier bakes. My advice?

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