Vanilla Cake Mix Cupcakes

from 9 votes

This cake batter recipe is the standard recipe I use for all of my baking. It can be altered in an endless number of ways to make everything from bundt cakes to cinnamon coffee cakes to mini cupcakes. I adapted this vanilla flavored recipe from a recipe in one of my favorite cookbooks, The Cake Mix Doctor. And while the base of the batter is from a box, the added ingredients help transform routine cupcakes into stellar sweets. Swap in devil’s food cake mix for an equally as satisfying chocolate version.

Dessert

Vanilla Cake Mix Cupcakes

This cake batter recipe is the standard recipe I use for all of my baking. It can be altered in an endless number of ways to make everything from bundt cakes to cinnamon coffee cakes to mini cupcakes.
Author: Kelly Senyei
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 18 cupcakes

Ingredients 

  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a mixmaster, combine the cake mix, sour cream, oil, water, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
  • Blend the ingredients together on low speed for one minute.
  • Pour the batter into cupcake cups or into a greased bundt pan.
  • Bake the cupcakes for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed (if using a bundt pan, bake the cake for 50-55 minutes).
  • Remove the cupcakes and allow them to cool before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 233mg, Potassium: 45mg, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 130IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 0.8mg

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made these by request of my granddaughter. They are delicious. Give body to a box cake mix. This is a keeper.

  2. 5 stars
    This is a great recipe! I made this for my daughter’s birthday and it was a hit all around. Will make again, for sure!

  3. 5 stars
    I use the Betty crocker french vanilla with this recipe and it works out great. I love this recipe. I make my own vanilla buttercream frosting. The best recipe!

  4. It says 1 package of box mix, but I seeing that there is a difference I cake mixes. Duncan Hienz is 16.5 oz mix and Pillsbury is 15.25. Do you think it will make that big of a difference?

  5. hi im making a giant cupcake for my daughters birthday and live in Australia – what size cake mix should i use for this recipe most of ours ar in grams thanks

  6. Thank you for your comment, Catherine! I’ve updated the post to include a link to The Cake Mix Doctor’s site, where you’ll be able to find additional recipes and tips.

    Happy baking!

    Kelly
    Founder, Just a Taste

  7. Hi! My cousin’s wife made these for a graduation party & we were all basically in awe of them. :) I was trying to find the cookbook you mention, “Just the Basics,” just out of curiosity, and am having trouble. Does it have a subtitle, or who is the author, or…? Anyway, delicious cupcakes! I’m making them for the in-laws’ visit this weekend & hope they turn out as well for me as they did for Maria. Thanks!

  8. I just got one of these pans and i love them. tho only thing is i would love a single, double or triple choclate recipes for it. plse tell me if you have some.