Coconut Cupcakes With Cake Mix and Pudding

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Creating delicious homemade treats doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With the right shortcuts, you can whip up mouthwatering desserts that taste like they’re made from scratch. Here’s how to make coconut cupcakes with cake mix and pudding. Read on to learn how.

Picture this: You’re invited to a St. Patrick’s Day lunch and asked to bring dessert. You want to bake cupcakes but need more time, money or ingredients to make them from scratch. And dessert for a crowd wasn’t in this week’s meal plan — let alone your food budget.

Luckily, making coconut cupcakes with cake mix and pudding is a fast and convenient method that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Use the yellow cake mix and coconut cream pudding. Then, top the cupcakes with a mouthwatering lime frosting. This approach saves time and cuts down on the cost of buying individual baking ingredients. So it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t bake regularly.

Oh, and this recipe works well for a fast Easter dessert, spring luncheon, or even for a Mother’s Day brunch. And if you’re looking for another Easter recipe that doesn’t take much time, you’ll love these easy Easter sugar cookies with Royal Icing.

Cake Mix Magic

The beauty of using a yellow cake mix is its versatility and simplicity. Boxed cake mixes have earned their reputation as a pantry staple for a reason. They’re affordable, especially when found on sale. Even better, they’re easy to use as a base item that can turn into a delectable, show-stopping dessert by adding just a few select ingredients.

By starting with a cake mix, you’re halfway to delicious cupcakes without measuring out flour, sugar, and leavening agents.

They’re also cost-effective. Buy cake mixes on sale as a budget-friendly way to enjoy homemade desserts like these coconut cupcakes with cake mixes and pudding. Boxed cake mixes also save time, and they’re versatile. It’s true. A single cake mix can be customized in countless ways to create a variety of flavors.

Baking with Pudding Mixes

Here’s the secret to moist, flavorful coconut cupcakes. Add coconut pudding mix to your yellow cake mix batter. This adds moisture and depth of flavor.

Pudding mixes contain ingredients that help cakes retain moisture, ensuring your cupcakes are soft and tender. Plus, the coconut cream pudding brings a rich coconut flavor that pairs so well with the lime icing..

How to Make Coconut Cupcakes With Cake Mix

Bake this easy recipe with your kids. Or ask them to make it themselves — it’s literally easy enough for tweens and teens to bake on their own.

Coconut Cupcakes with Cake Mix Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the cupcakes.

Cupcakes

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1-3.5-ounce package of coconut pudding
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• Cupcake liners

For the frosting

• 1 ½ sticks salted butter, softened
• 1 ½ teaspoons lime extract
• 3 tablespoons milk, half and half, or heavy cream
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• (optional) ¼ cup crushed Coconut Lime Sandwich Cookies OR other cookie crumbs
• 1 large piping bag, 1 large round frosting tip

Directions

Here’s how to make these easy coconut cupcakes from a boxed cake mix.

Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare a muffin tin with liners or spray.
2. Whisk together the cake mix and pudding mix in a large mixing bowl. Add water, oil, coconut extract, and eggs, mixing on medium until well incorporated.
3. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1. Cream the softened butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix in the lime extract.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with a tablespoon of milk, until all ingredients are incorporated and the frosting is creamy.
3. Fill a piping bag with the frosting and decorate the cupcakes. Finish by sprinkling with crushed Coconut Lime Sandwich Cookies if you’re using them.

Enjoy these delightful coconut cupcakes, perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat for yourself and your loved ones.

Coconut Cupcakes From Cake Mix FAQs

You have questions? I have answers!

How can I store these cupcakes?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in the refrigerator for longer storage for up to a week.

Can I freeze these coconut cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix provides a neutral base that complements the coconut flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors that pair well with coconut and lime. You could try lemon cake mix, banana cake mix, or even an angel food cake mix.

Can I use a different pudding mix flavor?
You bet. Try this recipe with banana or pistachio pudding, making beautiful green cupcakes perfect for Dr. Seuss Day or St. Patrick’s Day.

While I prefer to bake from scratch, sometimes I want a fast, convenient, yet thoughtful recipe to share with friends and family. These coconut cupcakes with cake mix offer a delicious, budget-friendly, and convenient option for home bakers.

Using pantry staples like cake and pudding mixes makes it easy to create desserts that taste like they took hours to make. These cupcakes will impress for a special occasion or a simple weekday dessert.

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