Smaller Batch of Cake Mix Cupcakes with Strawberry Butterflies
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I am sure there has been a time when you wanted to make a batch of cake-mix cupcakes but talked yourself out of it because you did not want 24 cupcakes sitting around. Sometimes you just need a smaller batch of cake mix cupcakes—enough to satisfy the craving without having extras taking over the kitchen.
For me, the temptation of having the whole batch of 24 cupcakes in the house is just too much. I will definitely end up eating more than my share! Yes, you can always freeze the extra cupcakes for later, but that also means using up precious freezer space. Plus, sometimes you just want a few fresh cupcakes right now without having to deal with all the leftovers.
So, for anyone who has found themselves in the same cake situation, this recipe is for you. With this easy method, you can make just 6 cupcakes using a Pillsbury cake mix. It is the perfect small-batch treat when you want something sweet, simple, and freshly baked without making a full box of cupcakes.
Ingredients for Smaller Batch of Cake Mix Cupcakes with Strawberry Butterflies
- Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Cake Mix OR Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Devil’s Food Premium Cake Mix OR Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Classic Yellow Premium Cake Mix
- water
- Vegetable Oil
- egg
- Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting OR Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Flavored Frosting
- STRAWBERRIES
Pillsbury™ Cake Mixes, Brownie Mixes and Frostings
I love stocking up and baking with Pillsbury™ Cake Mixes, Brownie Mixes and Frostings in preparation for spring gatherings and other traditions. They are inexpensive to stock up on and great to keep in your pantry for whenever you need a sweet treat.
Plus, they’re family moments waiting to happen. I just love to create special moments and memories (baking and sharing) with family and friends. So I recently went to Walmart to stock up on Pillsbury products. This way, whenever the time works to create these moments and memories, I can.
Recently, my daughter had a day off from school and was bored! I’m sure most moms have heard this from one child at some point. So I knew it was the perfect time to mix up a moment with her.
We grabbed a package of Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Classic Yellow Premium Cake Mix and a container of Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Flavored Frosting. We used the recipe for the smaller batch of cake mix cupcakes. It was the perfect amount for her to make a sweet treat to eat, with some left to give her dad and brother when they came home.
She also loves butterflies, so we cut some strawberries into simple butterfly shapes to go on top of each cupcake. You can get 2 butterflies from one strawberry. It definitely was a fun time with my daughter, with a sweet reward at the end.
Instructions for Smaller Batch of Cake Mix Cupcake Recipe with Strawberry Butterflies
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 6 muffin cups with paper baking liners and set aside.
Measure 1 cup of cake mix by spooning the mix into a 1-cup measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge. Add the cake mix to a medium bowl along with the water, oil, and egg.
Beat the mixture with a hand mixer on low speed just until moistened. Then increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the 6 prepared muffin cups.
Bake time is 19 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe frosting using a piping bag over the tops.
To make the strawberry butterflies, cut the green tops off each strawberry. Slice each strawberry into 6 slices. Use 2 of the inside slices for the butterfly wings by cutting each slice in half lengthwise. Then cut 2 small slivers from the outside slices of the strawberry to use as the butterfly bodies.
Arrange the strawberry pieces on top of each frosted cupcake to create butterflies. Continue with the remaining strawberries until all 6 cupcakes are decorated. Enjoy any leftover strawberry pieces as a little snack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any brand of cake mix for this recipe?
This recipe is measured specifically using 1 cup of cake mix, so most standard cake mixes should work. Since cake mix brands can vary slightly, Pillsbury is a great option if you want to follow the original recipe closely.
What do I do with the leftover cake mix?
Place the remaining dry cake mix in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store it in the pantry and use it later for another small batch of cupcakes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. You can double the ingredients to make 12 cupcakes. If you need a full 24 cupcakes, it is probably easiest to just follow the directions on the cake mix box.
Can I make these cupcakes without the strawberry butterflies?
Absolutely. The cupcakes are delicious with just frosting, sprinkles, or any simple decoration you like. The strawberry butterflies just make them extra cute for spring, birthdays, showers, or Mother’s Day.
How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
The cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature. For best results, frost and add the strawberry butterflies closer to serving so the berries stay fresh.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for the butterfly decorations. Frozen strawberries will be too soft and juicy once thawed, which makes them hard to slice and arrange neatly.
How should I store the decorated cupcakes?
Because of the fresh strawberries, decorated cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator if you are not serving them right away. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use homemade frosting?
Yes. You can use homemade buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or store-bought frosting. A thicker frosting works best because it helps hold the strawberry butterfly pieces in place.
Tips and Tricks
- Measure the cake mix by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Scooping directly from the box can pack in too much mix and make the batter too thick.
- Use room temperature egg if possible. It blends into the batter more easily and helps create a smoother cupcake texture.
- Do not overfill the liners. Divide the batter evenly between 6 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full so the cupcakes have room to rise.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. If they are still warm, the frosting can melt and slide off.
- Choose medium to large strawberries for the butterflies. They are easier to slice and give you prettier wing pieces.
- Add the strawberry butterflies shortly before serving for the freshest look. The berries can release juice as they sit, especially once placed on frosting.
- For a fun finishing touch, add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter around the strawberry butterflies. This makes the cupcakes look extra special without much extra work.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Beach Party Cupcakes
- Chocolate Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Cherry Chocolate Souffle Cupcakes
- Rootbeer Cupcakes
Smaller Batch of Cake Mix Cupcakes
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Cake Mix OR Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Devil’s Food Premium Cake Mix OR Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Classic Yellow Premium Cake Mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 Tbsp Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting OR Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Flavored Frosting
Instructions
- HEAT oven to 350°F. Line 6 muffin cups with paper baking cups
- SPOON cake mix into 1-cup measure; level top with straight edge. Place in medium bowl. Add water, oil and egg. Beat with mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide evenly into prepared muffin cups.
- BAKE 19 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely. Spread or pipe frosting on tops of cupcakes. Makes 6 cupcakes
Nutrition
How to make Strawberry Butterflies
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 strawberries
Instructions
- Cut green tops of each strawberry. Then cut each strawberry into 6 slices.
- To form butterflies, cut 2 of the inside slices in half lengthwise (this forms the wings for 2 butterflies). Cut 2 slivers from the outside slices or the strawberry to form 2 butterfly bodies.
- Place on top of two iced cupcakes to form butterflies. Continue with remaining strawberries. Enjoy munching on the remaining strawberry pieces. Makes 6 strawberry butterflies.
Notes
Nutrition
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.
