Description
Festive vanilla cupcakes with vibrant green buttercream, candy canes, and sprinkles make the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. These cupcakes are simple to prepare, but they bring a cheerful and festive flair to any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water (or as directed on the mix)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
Green gel food coloring
For Decorating:
Mini candy canes
Red and green sprinkles
Edible snowflake decorations or fondant snowflakes
Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)
Mini gingerbread cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with festive liners.
- Mix cake ingredients until smooth. Fill liners 2/3 full.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla extract and milk. Beat until fluffy, adjusting milk for consistency.
- Add green gel food coloring and mix until vibrant green.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Pipe green frosting with a star tip onto cupcakes.
- Add sprinkles, candy canes, and snowflake decorations. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Notes
For a festive twist, add peppermint extract to the buttercream.
Experiment with toppings like crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or mini marshmallows.
Use a gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
- Calories: 280 kcal
