Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes Recipe

Elevate your cupcakes to the next level with this secret recipe from Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, the baking duo featured on Paula Deen's cooking show! They revealed their foolproof method for creating stunning, sturdy cupcakes using simple cake mix. This recipe uses buttermilk for a fresh, homemade flavor, extra eggs for incredible structure, and skips the pudding-filled mixes for optimal decorating results. Perfect for Thanksgiving (think turkey, mashed potatoes, and carrots!), these cupcakes are moist and delicious, even made a day ahead! Get ready to impress with these show-stopping treats that Paula Deen herself raved about!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 135.6 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating 3.0 (1 Reviews)
Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes 40

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) of your favorite white or yellow cake mix (avoid mixes with pudding or angel food)
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 4 large eggs (more than usually called for on the box)

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil (as specified on the box), and 4 large eggs.
  3. Add the buttermilk in place of the water called for on the box.
  4. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds until just moistened.
  5. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for 2 minutes, until batter is thick and fluffy.
  6. Transfer half the batter to a zip-top bag. Snip a 1/4-inch corner off the bag.
  7. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full using the zip-top bag.
  8. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cupcakes are golden brown.
  10. Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, frost and decorate your cupcakes to your heart's content! (Pro-tip: Try a Thanksgiving theme for extra wow-factor!)

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

49g

Fat

5g

Carbs

5g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)