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Easy Piñata Cupcakes Recipe with a Cake Mix Recipe

4.5 from 143 reviews

These Easy Piñata Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat made with a white cake mix, filled with colorful sprinkles, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for parties, they feature a surprise sprinkle center that adds a playful twist to classic cupcakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 15.25 ounce box white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Filling & Frosting

  • 1 ½ cups sprinkles
  • 32 ounces vanilla frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners and set them aside to be ready for the batter.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Use a handheld mixer to blend everything together until you have a smooth, consistent batter.
  3. Fill and Bake: Use a large scoop to evenly distribute the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each almost to the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cupcakes start to turn golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
  4. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tins before moving on to the filling step to prevent melting the frosting.
  5. Cut and Fill: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a cone shape out of the center of each cupcake. Cut off the bottom three-quarters of the cone, keeping just the rounded top piece and discarding the rest. Fill the hollowed center of each cupcake with sprinkles, then replace the round top ‘lid’ on each cupcake.
  6. Frost the Cupcakes: Place the vanilla frosting in a piping or zipper bag fitted with a star tip attachment. Starting at the outer edge of the cupcake, pipe the frosting in a circular motion moving towards the middle to cover the cut area and secure the sprinkle filling.
  7. Decorate and Serve: Finish by sprinkling additional sprinkles on top for extra color and fun. Serve immediately or store cupcakes until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before cutting and filling to keep the frosting from melting.
  • You can use any color or shape of sprinkles for a personalized look.
  • For easier filling, use a piping bag to add sprinkles into the hollow.
  • Vanilla frosting can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
  • These cupcakes are best served the same day they’re filled for the freshest texture.

Keywords: Piñata Cupcakes, Surprise Cupcakes, Filled Cupcakes, Party Dessert, Easy Cupcakes, Cake Mix Recipe