Cake Mix Cupcakes start with a mix, but we add secret ingredients for an indulgent taste. Theyโ€™re still super easy to make! Top with rich chocolate buttercream, and youโ€™ll fall in love with these cupcakes!

Love cake mix cupcakes but craving a vanilla version with cream cheese frosting? Try these Easter Cupcakesโ€”just skip the toasted coconut and candies on top!

Cake Mix Cupcakes with frosting and fresh raspberries on top

Cake Mix Cupcakes

Cupcake recipes can sometimes be finicky, depending on altitude, humidity, ingredients used, how the batter is mixed, etc. However, this cupcake recipe is my faithful go-to. Itโ€™s tried and tested, never fails, and the cupcakes taste downright amazing!

These cupcakes start with a boxed cake mix, but no one can ever tell! I make them frequently and always get requests for the recipeโ€”everyone is convinced theyโ€™re made from scratch. Without fail, people always comment on the small chocolate chunks throughoutโ€”those added miniature chocolate chips enhance the texture and add extra chocolate flavor, furthering the illusion.

These chocolate cupcakes are unbeatable, especially because theyโ€™re so easy to make. They whip up almost as quickly as a boxed mix, with just a few extra ingredients to maximize the flavor. Youโ€™ll still only need one bowl, and the mess is kept to a minimum!

Boxed ingredients required for this recipe

The Cake Mix

Iโ€™ve tried several different cake mixes, and none even come close to Betty Crockerยฎ Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Mix.

I love the softness, fudginess, and deep, rich flavor this cake mix brings to the cupcakes. Use the mix, but donโ€™t follow the package directionsโ€”weโ€™ll add our own ingredients!

Process shots-- images of the wet ingredients being whisked together

The Secret To Getting Rich and Moist Cake Mix Cupcakes

Beyond the cake mix, we add one other store-bought mix โ€” chocolate pudding. This is the โ€œsecretโ€ for a deeply chocolate, rich flavor and soft, moist texture. The dry pudding mix adds so much to these Cake Mix Cupcakes!

While it would be nice if any boxed pudding worked in this recipe, this part of the recipe is very specific. Weโ€™re looking to use chocolate instant pudding mixโ€” not the cook-and-serve type. We also want to use regular pudding mixโ€“not sugar-free or reduced-calorie โ€” those varieties wonโ€™t work the same.

The other thing to keep an eye out for is the pudding box size. Most stores carry two sizes โ€” a larger and smaller one. We want to get the small 3.9-ounce (111g) box. If you only have a large box, measure out 3.9 ounces with a food scale and save the rest for a different recipe or make a small batch of pudding with it.

When using the pudding mix in these cupcakes, use the dry mix โ€” donโ€™t prepare it according to package directions.

Process shots-- images of the dry ingredients being added on top of the wet

How To Make Cupcakes With A Cake Mix

The process is almost as easy as preparing cupcakes according to the directions on the package โ€” we simply add in a few more ingredients! Weโ€™ve already discussed the cake mix and pudding mix, so Iโ€™ll break down the remaining ingredients below:

  • Large eggs. Be sure to use large, not medium or small for best results.
  • Full-fat sour cream. This ingredient adds a nice density and moistness to the cupcakes. Full-fat honey vanilla Greek yogurt (made by Greek Godsยฎ) works really nicely as well.
  • Oil. Vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil all work nicely.
  • Vanilla extract. A hearty addition (1 full tablespoon) of vanilla extract infuses a nice rich flavor.
  • Warm/hot water or coffee. The hot water โ€œbloomsโ€ the cocoa powder in the cake and pudding mix, making the cupcakes more flavorful. Donโ€™t use cold or room-temperature water. Use leftover coffee if you like a subtle mocha flavor.
  • Miniature chocolate chips. The chocolate chips disperse throughout the cupcakes, adding pockets of melted chocolate to every bite โ€” this is always taste testersโ€™ favorite cupcake addition! If you donโ€™t have miniature chocolate chips, coarsely chop a chocolate bar; we found large chocolate chips to be a bit overpowering.

Image of the cupcakes batter being mixed together with chocolate chips; then added to the prepared cupcakes pan; and fresh out of the oven.

Chocolate Frosting

The frosting is rich and indulgent โ€” my all-time favorite chocolate frosting! The cocoa powder is what really sets this frosting apart. I recommend using Dutchโ€“process instead of natural or plain cocoa powder. Dutch process offers a more robust and intensely deep chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa powder will create a less-flavorful and slightly drier frosting. That said, if you donโ€™t like a dark or intense chocolate flavor, you may prefer natural or unsweetened cocoa powder instead.

Quick Tip

  I use (and highly recommend; itโ€™s amazing!) this cocoa. You can find Hersheyโ€™s โ€œSpecial Darkโ€ยฎ cocoa powder at most grocery stores and itโ€™s a great easier-to-find choice.

Process shots-- images of the frosting ingredients being whipped together

Storage

Cake Mix Cupcakes Storage

Once completely cooled, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy these cupcakes within 2-3 days.

These cupcakes freeze beautifully, but the frosting doesnโ€™t. I recommend freezing unfrosted cupcakes and then making up a batch of frosting when youโ€™re ready to frost and enjoy the cupcakes.

To freeze/thaw (without frosting):

  • Cool cupcakes completely, then freeze them unwrapped on a sheet pan for 30 minutes. Wrap each individually in plastic and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost once fully thawed, noting they may be slightly moister.

Process shots--finishing up the frosting and then piping it on of the Cake Mix Cupcakes

Cake Mix Cupcake Tips

  • Use a big ice cream scooper to portion batter into a muffin tin.
  • Use muffin liners โ€” they save a lot of mess and ensure the cupcakes come out nicely.
  • Cool on a wire cooling rack โ€” they need to be elevated so air can circulate around all sides as it cools. Otherwise, moisture (from the heat of the cupcakes and pan) will condense on the bottom of the cupcakes, making them damp and slightly sticky.
  • Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, place them in another cupcake liner for beautiful-looking cupcakes!
  • Only frost the cupcakes when they have completely cooled.

Cake Mix Cupcake ready to be eaten

More Ways To Use Cake Mixes:

5 from 7 votes

Cake Mix Cupcakes

Cake Mix Cupcakes use a cake mix with our secret ingredients for an indulgent twist! Top with chocolate buttercream frosting and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: cupcakes

Equipment

Ingredients

Chocolate Cupcakes
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (13.25-ounce) box Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
  • 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup hot water or coffee
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate bar
Chocolate Frosting
  • 20 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/16 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

Cupcakes

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (176ยฐC) and line a muffin pan with liners. This recipe makes 24 cupcakes. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a fork. Add in the sour cream, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until completely combined. Add cake mix and pudding mix, stirring a few times to moisten. Add the hot water and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. If youโ€™re using chopped chocolate instead, chop it pretty small to about the size of mini chocolate chips.
  • Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake one tray at a time for 18โ€“23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The tops should bounce back when lightly touched. Remove the cupcakes and let cool in the pan for 5โ€“10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

  • Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter in a medium bowl on medium speed for 3โ€“4 minutes. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. If frosting is too thin, add up to 1 cup of additional powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency. If frosting is too thick, you can add up to 2 tablespoons of additional heavy cream. Add in the salt. If frosting is still too sweet, add a dash more salt.
  • Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and frost the completely cooled cupcakes. Cupcakes are best enjoyed with 1โ€“3 days.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: The cupcakes need to be elevated on a wire cooling rack so air can circulate around all sides as they cool. Otherwise, moisture will condense on the bottom of the cupcakes, making them damp and slightly sticky.
Mini Cupcakes: Line a miniature muffin tin with liners and add about 1 rounded tablespoon batter into each. Bake for 10โ€“15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, cool completely, then place on a sheet pan in the freezer for 30 minutes. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and transfer to large freezer bags; store for 2โ€“3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost as desired. They will be slightly more moist but still delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 7 votes

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30 Comments

  1. GiGi Shipstad says:

    Can I substitute avocado oil for the canola oil? I would guess so but wondered if any of your followers gave it a try.

    1. Chelsea says:

      You absolutely can! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Cheryl says:

    5 stars
    I really donโ€™t like chocolate cake or cupcakes, but my family loves them. I made these for my sonโ€™s birthday, and I ate one too. They were soft and moist. This will be my go-to chocolate cupcake recipe from now on. Thanks!!

    1. Chelsea says:

      YAY! So happy to hear this! Thanks so much Cheryl! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Marisol says:

    Please help! I can only find 13.25 oz cake mix. Will that work?

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Yes!

  4. Eya says:

    These look amazing!! Can I use vanilla or
    white chocolate instant pudding with this
    recipe since Iโ€™m unable to find the chocolate
    pudding mix in my country

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Yes! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Lindsey says:

    5 stars
    This recipe turned out awesome!!! Would thi same one work for a yellow cake mix with vanilla pudding??

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Yes! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Samantha says:

    5 stars
    These are the absolute best cupcakes ever. They donโ€™t even need icing

    1. Chelsea says:

      Ahh so happy to hear this! Thanks so much Samantha! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Jessica says:

    Correction to my comment! I meant I substituted regular Hersheyโ€™s chocolate chips but just about 1/4 cup instead of the latter. not substituting sour cream for yogurt ๐Ÿ˜‚ Delicious still!