Pink and green vanilla cupcakes that look straight out of Oz.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels a little bit magical, these Wickedly Swirled Cupcakes are it. Bright pink and green cake layers come together with soft, fluffy vanilla frosting for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The colors are inspired by Wicked and make every swirl feel straight out of Oz. They start with a boxed cake mix, so they’re simple enough for any baker, but still special enough for parties, movie nights, or just because you’re obbsessulated with baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, bakery-style vanilla cupcakes with a colorful twist.
• Two-toned pink and green frosting inspired by Wicked.
• Made with a simple boxed mix for easy prep and reliable results.
• Perfect for themed parties, birthdays, or movie nights.
• Fun, creative, and totally photo-worthy for your dessert table.

Ingredient Notes

• Pillsbury Moist Supreme White Cake Mix: gives these cupcakes a light, fluffy texture and consistent flavor every time.
• Sour cream: adds moisture and richness, giving the cupcakes that bakery-style crumb.
• Whole milk: helps create a soft, tender cake while balancing the sweetness.
• Pink and green food coloring: brings the Wicked theme to life—gel coloring gives the brightest shades.

Before You Bake

Do I need to use egg whites only?
Yes. Using only egg whites keeps the cupcakes light in color so the pink and green shades stand out. Whole eggs would add a yellow tint and change the batter’s texture slightly.

Can I use gel or liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring works best for bold color without thinning the batter. If you only have liquid coloring, add it a few drops at a time until you reach the shade you want.

How do I get the frosting swirl effect?
Lay out plastic wrap, pipe each color side by side, roll it up, snip the end, and place it in a piping bag. This creates the perfect pink-and-green swirl with minimal mess.

Wickedly Swirled Cupcakes

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box Pillsbury Moist Supreme White Cake Mix
• 4 egg whites
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink and green food coloring (for batter and frosting)
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 3–5 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Equipment

• Wicked-themed cupcake liners and cupcake toppers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with Wicked-themed liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, egg whites, oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls and tint one pink and the other green.
3. Spoon a little pink batter into each liner, then top with a scoop of green batter. Lightly marble with a toothpick. Bake according to the time listed on the box for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
4. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla. Divide the frosting into two bowls—color one pink and the other green.
5. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and pipe alternating lines of pink and green frosting on top. Roll it up tightly, snip off one end, and place it into a piping bag fitted with a 1M star tip. Pipe colorful swirls onto each cupcake, then finish with Wicked toppers.

FAQ

How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly to the touch.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them the day you plan to serve.

Can I freeze these Wickedly Swirled Cupcakes?
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

What piping tip works best for the swirl?
A 1M star tip gives you that perfect, bakery-style swirl that shows off both frosting colors.

How can I make the frosting extra fluffy?
Beat it on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes, adding a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it’s light and airy.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn this bake into a Wicked watch party treat! Serve your cupcakes on a glittery green tray, cue up the Wicked soundtrack, and decorate your table with pink and emerald accents. For a fun twist, set up a “good vs. wicked” topping bar with pink sugar crystals, green sprinkles, and edible glitter so everyone can design their own treat.