Cupcakes that taste homemade {from a mix}

I like to make desserts from scratch most of the time.
I think they simply taste better.
Especially cakes and frosting.
Amen?
Amen.

However, sometimes a mix is just……um, EASIER and FASTER
{and can taste just as good}

So, I have a secret I want to share with you.
You might already know it, but I bet some of you don’t. I didn’t.
Tidy Mom posted this way back in 2009 {here} so I’m a little late on processing the info.  I’m slow.

The secret is all about how to take a box cake mix and make it so much better. Moist and delicious, unlike most box mixes. 
Homemade taste~ that’s what we want!


Homemade taste from a mix:

Take any box of cake mix, any flavor, but preferably a name brand one.
Add to it~
1 cup of water
1 stick of melted butter {not margarine}
3 eggs

Beat on low for 30 seconds and medium speed for 2 minutes or until nice and thick and fluffy. Fill your cupcake holders 2/3 full {I use an ice cream scoop~perfect size scoop}. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

I used a white cake mix for the cupcakes shown above. I wasn’t sure if it would work since you generally use egg whites so it will stay nice and white, but it worked just great. I also added about a 1/4 cup of cream of coconut to the batter for my coconut cupcakes. I then topped them with my cream cheese frosting {below} and rolled the tops in some coconut. simply delicious.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8oz block of cream cheese {room temp}~ I use low fat
1 stick of butter {room temp}
1 tsp real vanilla extract
1.5 lbs powdered sugar

Cream the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix well. Slowly add the powdered sugar and until it is all incorporated and then whip on high for 30 seconds.


Do you have any secrets for using mixes that taste homemade?

this post is linked to: Crazy domestic, A Little Knick Knack, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Hodgepodge Friday, It’s a Keeper, Foodie Friday, Weekend Wrap up, Tasty Tuesday