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.
Servings 16 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 (13.25-oz.) box 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 vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until the batter is smooth.
- Fill the cups ¾ full with batter. (Note: This recipe yields about 16 cupcakes.)
- Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, 14 to 18 minutes.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before removing and decorating as desired.
- ★ 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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Made these by request of my granddaughter. They are delicious. Give body to a box cake mix. This is a keeper.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Pam!
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!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, June!
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!
Love hearing this, Angela!
So good! Frosted with your vanilla buttercream recipe. Everyone thought I had bought them at a bakery. Thank you!
Love hearing this! Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Patti!
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?
Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great style and design .
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
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
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!
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.