Last updated on June 21st, 2024 at 09:17 pm
These Cinnamon Swirl cupcakes are the perfect balance of snug, cinnamon-infused warmth and sweet, creamy indulgence. What makes these homemade-from-a-box-mix cupcakes stand out is their divine flavor profile, a delectable concoction where the comforting spice of cinnamon desserts meets the lush sweetness of cream cheese icing.
The beauty of this cupcake recipe lies in its simplicity, making it a brilliant choice for beginner bakers or those in search of quick, no-fuss dessert ideas. Using a boxed cake mix as the base, these cinnamon swirl cupcakes cut down on prep time without sacrificing taste. One thing I always, always recommend when dressing up a boxed cake mix: Make your cream cheese frosting from scratch. That’s what sets this dessert apart. Frosting from a can just doesn’t taste the same as homemade frosting. But don’t worry! I have a super simple frosting recipe and a picture and video tutorial below!
Whether you’re planning to dazzle at a party with unique sweet treats or simply craving a bit of homemade comfort food, these cupcakes promise to deliver joy in every swirl. So, get ready to delight your taste buds and perhaps even surprise yourself with your baking prowess.
Ingredients
Whipping up a batch of these homemade cinnamon swirl cupcakes with delectable cream cheese frosting is super easy, and I promise, they’re just as satisfying as they sound! Let me guide you through the ingredients you’ll need to bring these sweet treats to life. Starting with the centerpiece, the cupcakes, we’ll be jazzing up a simple boxed cake mix recipe.
For the Cupcakes:
– 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 6 Tablespoons melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
– Extra cinnamon to sprinkle on top
Video- How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes from a Box Mix:
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
First off, grab your favorite boxed white cake mix; this simple hack is a game-changer in making homemade cupcakes with ease. Really, the brand of cupcake doesn’t matter too much. Just make sure you prepare your white cake mix according to the box instructions. Some cake mixes allow eggs, and some only egg whites, so just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results!
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare the Cake Mix: In a large bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, typically by mixing it with eggs, oil, and water.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
Layer the Batter:
- Fill each muffin cup about 1/3 full with the cake batter.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
- Add another layer of cake batter to fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
- Add another small spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
- Gently swirl everything with a toothpick
Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting or drizzle with a bit of the leftover cinnamon swirl mixture if desired.
Enjoy your delicious cinnamon swirl cupcakes!
Pro Tips
Let me spill my secrets on how to elevate your cinnamon swirl cupcakes with cream cheese frosting to a whole new level! Whether you’re a beginner baker or looking to add some new recipes to your dessert ideas arsenal, here’s how you can ensure your homemade cupcakes are the talk of any party.
- Add Your Cinnamon Swirl Quickly: Try to put your cupcakes in the oven kind of quickly after adding your cinnamon swirl. If you do it just right, that cinnamon swirl will land in the middle of your cupcake. However, if you wait too long, it will sink to the bottom. Your cupcakes will still taste the same in the end! It’s more of an aesthetic thing to be able to see that cinnamon swirling around the middle of your cupcake when you bite into it.
- Baking Time Is Key: Nobody enjoys a dry cupcake, and white cakes tend to be a little tricky. You can use the toothpick test, of course. However, I find it easier to just watch my cupcakes. Once the middle of the cupcake isn’t jiggly anymore, and the edges are starting to get kind of yellow, they’re done. They’ll continue firming up a bit once out of the oven, too. If you wait until your cupcakes are golden all over, you’ve probably over-baked them.
- Frosting Techniques: When applying the cream cheese icing, ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled. Using a piping bag with a star tip (I like the Wilton 1M tip), apply the frosting in a swirling motion for that professional bakery look. If you’re feeling creative, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or a few sugared pecans for an extra crunch.
- Variations for Every Occasion: These cupcakes are adaptable to any event. For holiday baking, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mix. Hosting a summer brunch? Add lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a citrus twist. The possibilities are endless, making these cinnamon desserts a versatile option for any gathering.
- Storing Your Cupcakes: If you’re not serving them immediately, store your cupcakes in an airtight container. I would store them in the fridge due to food safety concerns with cream cheese frosting getting too warm. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Follow these baking tips and decoration ideas, and your cinnamon swirl cupcakes will surely be a hit. Whether it’s for a cozy family get-together or as sweet treats for a larger gathering, these easy-to-follow suggestions will help your cupcakes stand out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cake mix for my Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a basic white boxed cake mix, feel free to experiment with yellow cake mix or even spice cake mix for an extra cozy flavor. The key is to ensure the base complements the cinnamon swirls and cream cheese frosting in terms of flavor.
What if my cupcakes come out dry? To keep your cupcakes moist and delicious, make sure not to overbake them. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. Every oven is different, and it’s crucial to adjust accordingly. I look for when my cupcakes seem “solid” in the middle and just the edges are starting to turn a golden color, and then I take them out.
Is there an alternative to cream cheese frosting? Yes, if you’re not a fan of cream cheese icing or just want to try something different, a simple vanilla buttercream or even a cinnamon-infused buttercream can be fantastic. The goal is to compliment the cinnamon flavor in the cupcakes, so feel free to get creative!
My frosting is too runny/too firm. What do I do? If your frosting is too runny and doesn’t hold its shape on top of the cupcake, add more powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time and beat your frosting until smooth. If your frosting is too firm, add more milk, only a teaspoon or so at a time. Cream Cheese frosting likes to get runny and too thin pretty quickly.
I hope this answered your questions! If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments below, and I will happily answer! Happy baking!
If You Liked These Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes, Check Out:
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Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
- 1 box white cake mix
- 5 egg whites or however many your cake mix calls for
- 1/2 cup oil or however much your cake mix calls for
- 1 cup water or however much your cake mix calls for
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 6 Tbsp melted butter
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2-3 Tbsp milk optional, for texture
- Cinnamon optional, to sprinkle on top
Instructions
Make Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, typically by mixing it with eggs, oil, and water.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Fill each muffin cup about halfway full with cake batter.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture on the top of the batter
- Top off the muffin cup with enough cake batter to fill it about 3/4 of the way
- Add another small bit of cinnamon sugar on top. Stick a toothpick in each muffin tin and gently swirl everything around.
- Bake cupcakes 18-22 minutes, or until the centers are solid and the edges are lightly golden (You can also do the toothpick test).
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Decorate
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter
- Gradually add the powdered sugar
- Add in the vanilla
- Add in milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust for texture. You want a bit of a thicker texture so the cream cheese frosting holds its shape.
- Put cream cheese frosting in a piping bag with a star tip. I like the Wilton 1M tip.
- Pipe swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake.
- Optional (but delicious): Dust a little bit of cinnamon on top of each frosted cupcake.
