Whether you’re craving something rich and chocolaty, light and zesty, or playful and colorful, this cheat sheet has got you covered. No more guessing or overthinking just grab your ingredients and let these foolproof bases do the magic.

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Vanilla Cupcake Base

There’s something timeless about the delicate, comforting flavor of vanilla. As the base for any cupcake, it offers a soft, light texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Its subtle flavor provides the perfect canvas for a wide range of frostings and fillings, making it an incredibly versatile choice for any occasion.

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Vanilla Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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•  2 sticks salted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5    1/2 cup finely crushed Oreos (about 6–8 cookies)


Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and creamy.
2. Gradually add in half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
3. Add the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream.
4. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes, or until the frosting is fluffy and well blended.
5. Gently fold in the crushed Oreos.
6. To adjust the texture, add more cream for a softer consistency or more powdered sugar for a firmer, pipeable finish.

Chocolate Cupcake Base

Imagine cozying up with a warm, velvety chocolate cupcake that practically melts in your mouth. That’s what this chocolate cupcake base is all about, a rich indulgent hug for your taste buds.

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Chocolate Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn camp

Ingredients

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• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 additional egg (one more than the box calls for)
• 1 tablespoon additional oil
• 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix (dry)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, the ingredients listed on the box, the extra egg, and the additional tablespoon of oil.
3. Add the dry pudding mix (do not prepare the pudding—just use the powder) and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 of the way full with batter.
5. Bake according to the time listed on the cake mix box for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Lemon Cupcake Base

Picture this: a cupcake so light and zesty, it feels like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. That’s what this lemon cupcake base brings vibrant, tangy goodness wrapped in a soft, airy crumb. It’s like a little piece of happiness, with a refreshing citrus zing.

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Lemon Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• 1 box lemon cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 additional egg (one more than the box calls for)
• 1 tablespoon additional oil
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix (dry)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, the ingredients listed on the box, the extra egg, and the additional tablespoon of oil.
3. Add the dry lemon pudding mix (do not prepare the pudding—just use the powder) and mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 of the way full with batter.
5. Bake according to the cupcake baking time on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before adding frosting, glaze, or toppings.

Cookies & Cream Cupcake Base

If I had a secret crush on a cupcake, it would be on cookies and cream. This base is a sweet little love letter to that perfect combo of crunchy cookies and creamy goodness.

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Cookies & Cream Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• 1 box white cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 additional egg (one more than the box calls for)
• 1 tablespoon additional oil
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix (dry)
• 1/2 cup crushed Oreo cookies (very small pieces, not finely ground)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
   In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, the ingredients listed on the box, the extra egg, and the additional tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the dry pudding mix (do not prepare it) and stir until the batter is smooth.
3. Gently fold in the crushed Oreo pieces until evenly distributed.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
5. Bake according to the cupcake time on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting.

Funfetti Cupcake Base

This Funfetti base is basically confetti in cupcake form—a soft, fluffy cloud of vanilla goodness, packed with colorful sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s sweet, it’s cheerful, and it’s oh so addictive…

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Funfetti Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• 1 box Funfetti cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 additional egg (one more than the box calls for)
• 1 tablespoon additional oil
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with colorful paper liners for extra fun.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, the ingredients listed on the box, the extra egg, and the additional tablespoon of oil.
3. Add the dry vanilla pudding mix (just the powder—don’t prepare it) and mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
5. Bake according to the time listed on the cake mix box for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting.

Red Velvet Cupcake Base

This base is everything you want in a cupcake: soft, moist, and oh-so-satisfying. The gentle cocoa flavor is subtle, but its deep, velvety texture steals the show, making each bite feel like a little moment of luxury.

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Red Velvet Cupcake Base

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 additional egg (one more than the box calls for)
• 1 tablespoon additional oil
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, the ingredients listed on the box, the extra egg, and the additional tablespoon of oil.
3. Add the dry vanilla pudding mix (just the powder—do not prepare it) and mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
5. Bake according to the cupcake time on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting.