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Red Velvet Cupcakes From Cake Mix

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Cake Mix Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup full-fat buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk cake mix, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and divide batter evenly, filling each 2/3 full.
  3. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  5. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes and serve.

Notes

If you only have low-fat buttermilk, it still works, but the crumb will be a little less tender. Let the cupcakes cool for at least 1 hour before frosting so the swirls stay firm.