Pink Lemonade Cupcakes
The Pink Lemonade Cupcakes are a summery treat. Made with a boxed cake mix that’s bursting with lemon flavor, and topped with a lightly sweetened homemade buttercream frosting, they’re the perfect dessert. Topped with sprinkles, lemon slices, and a cute mini straw.This Pink Lemonade Cupcakes recipe is super simple and can be made in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- 2 teaspoon pink food coloring
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3-4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Cupcakes Step 1: I started by preparing the cake mix according to the package directions, but added a little creativity! I mixed together 1 tablespoon of lemon extract and 1 teaspoon of pink food coloring to give the cake a fresh lemon flavor and a pretty pink color.Step 2: You should divide the cake mix evenly into 24 muffin tins, making sure each tin is evenly filled so that the cakes rise evenly when baked. Bake according to the package directions. Once the cakes were done, I let them cool in the tins for about 10 minutes to firm up a bit and make them easier to remove from the tins. Then, I transferred them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- FrostingStep1: I used the bowl of my stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter on high speed for 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth and fluffy texture for the frosting.Step 2: You should add the lemon extract and mix until just combined, so the fresh lemon flavor is absorbed into the frosting.Step 3: Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, making sure to mix well with each addition before adding the next. This method helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, even frosting.Step 4: Once the powdered sugar is mixed in, slowly pour in the whipping cream. I started mixing on low speed to avoid splashing, then gradually increased the speed to high and beat for about 2 minutes, until the frosting was light, fluffy, and fluffy.Step 5: Finally, add the pink food coloring and mix on low speed until the color is evenly distributed throughout the frosting. The result will be a gorgeous pink frosting, perfect for decorating cupcakes. I transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (I recommend the Wilton 1M for the classic swirls).