Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

5 from 6 votes

Take your boxed cake mix cupcakes to the next level with a few simple additions. These Easy Vanilla Cupcakes taste like they are from scratch and are fluffy, moist and bursting with vanilla flavor. Topped with chocolate buttercream--these will be gone in no time, every time.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Lorie Yarro

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

yellow cake mix box (15.25 oz.)
3 eggs
1/2 c oil
1 c milk (I used whole)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 box vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz. package)
3/4 c sour cream

For Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

2 sticks butter, softened
4-5 c powdered sugar
1/2 c cocoa powder
2-3 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 T whole milk or cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add in vanilla, oil, sour cream and pudding mix and whisk to combine. Slowly add in cake mix and stir to incorportate fully. (Remember you do not want to overstir here.)
Scoop batter into cupcake lined cupcake pan and fill each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
While cupcakes are cooling, using a standing or hand mixer, beat softened butter and vanilla until nice and creamy. Add the cocoa powder along with one cup of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Continue to add in the rest of the powdered sugar and beat. Slowly add in milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting is to desired consistency.
Ice cupcakes with a knife or use a fun icing tip and icing bag.* Either way is amazing! Store cupcakes for several days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

If you like a LOT of frosting, you will probably want to double the frosting recipe! If you are just using a knife to spread the frosting then you will be just fine!

Nutrition