Box Mix Mummy Cupcakes
These Box Mix Mummy Cupcakes are easy Halloween cupcakes made from a chocolate cake mix and topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream, and decorated with piped “bandages” and candy eyes to look like cute little mummies. They are quick to make, kid friendly, and perfect for parties or last minute Halloween celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Eggs called for on the cake mix box
- Oil called for on the cake mix box
- Cooled strong coffee replacing the water called for on the box
For the Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
For Decorating
- Candy eyes
- Piping bag or bottle with a flat tip
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
- Set your oven to the temperature listed on your chocolate cake mix box. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners; I like white or black liners for a spooky vibe.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix following the package directions. Use the eggs and oil listed on the box.
- Instead of water, pour in an equal amount of cooled strong coffee. This simple swap makes the chocolate taste deeper and more grown up without any coffee flavor once baked.
- Divide the batter between the cupcake liners, filling each about two thirds full. A cookie scoop makes this super quick and even.
- Bake according to the time on the box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting.
Make the Vanilla Buttercream
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth, creamy, and pale. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Mix in the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk.
- If the frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar a few tablespoons at a time. If it is too thick, add a little more cream or milk until it is smooth and pipeable.
Decorate the Mummy Cupcakes
- Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a flat basketweave tip or a small round tip. No piping tips on hand? Spoon the frosting into a zip top bag and snip a small opening from one corner.
- Place 2 candy eyes on the cupcake.
- Pipe a little border of “bandages” around the eyes to hold them in place
- Pipe more “bandages” over the cupcake until it looks like a mummy head. It’s okay if your lines aren’t perfectly straight. It works best if you start at one end of the cupcake and pipe a straight line across to the other side, and then add in a few diagonal-ish lines for variety.
- I like to chill the decorated cupcakes briefly so the frosting and decorations can set. I also usually store them in the refrigerator, although they can remain covered at room temperature if your kitchen is not too warm. Bring chilled cupcakes closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.