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    Home » Recipes

    Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box

    March 2, 2017 *Updated* December 20, 2019 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 88 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    Need to make dessert, but don’t have a lot of time?  This Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box recipe is here to help.

    Matcha green tea powder is the secret ingredient in these pretty spring cupcakes. The mint flavoured frosting just happens to pair perfectly too.

    Close of decorated vanilla cupcakes on the table with a green floral napkin.

    Everyone loves dessert. Sometimes made from scratch isn’t an option, especially if you don’t like to bake. With a few added ingredients you can transform a cake mix into this easy vanilla cupcake recipe.

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    It has been such a mild winter here. In fact, I cannot remember one like this at all. Who goes out for a walk in February with a spring jacket on? Yes, I know all you lucky southern people can. Us Canadians (well in Ontario) never get that luxury.

    However, it did happen last week, and I totally enjoyed my walk in the sun. Then I enjoyed a Starbuck’s Vanilla Green Tea Latte. As I sat there trying to think of my contribution to this recipe roundup, that is when this matcha cupcake recipe popped into my head! I have a chai cupcake recipe too. Wonder where that thought came from LOL!!

    DO YOU LIKE TO BAKE CUPCAKES?

    It seems this month I have quite a few dinners to attend, and even a birthday celebration to host. Lots of baking will be happening in the kitchen. What is your favourite thing to bake?

    Cupcake pan with liners, some filled with the cupcake batter ready to go into the oven.

    Maybe baking is not your thing? Or you like to bake, but not from scratch. Not everyone aspires to be a baker. I prefer cooking to baking. I do both, but I find cooking much more forgiving, and easy to experiment with.

    Baking, on the other hand, is like science in the kitchen. Precise measurements, temperatures, not often swaying from the exact ingredient list. My Speckled Toffee Cake recipe is one that requires precision in the baking department.

    CUPCAKE RECIPE FROM SCRATCH (ALMOST)

    When you don’t want to spend the time baking from scratch, almost from scratch is a great option. Using some bought ingredients, and adding your own twist. Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box are a perfect example of the almost from scratch baking.

    This works for cooking too, like my Almost Homemade Pizza recipe.

    Close up of the Green Tea cupcakes getting decorated with green icing, piping bag in the background.

    Life is busy. Sometimes we need a break from the hustle and bustle. I am one for finding ways to take the load off. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time in the kitchen, or I wouldn’t be a food blogger. I think about making food all the time.

    But even food bloggers need a break now and again. For me, that is when slow cooker comes out. I call it the “magician” in the kitchen. One of the most useful inventions ever. Pile stuff in, turn it on, go about my day while it magically transforms those ingredients into deliciousness.

    Close up overhead shot of decorated cupcakes on the table.

    VANILLA GREEN TEA CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS

    No one will ever know you didn’t bake these from scratch. These easy to make cupcakes are beautiful and delicious. The best part is that you didn’t have to play the mad scientist role to bake them.

    You will need:

    • boxed white cake mix
    • *Matcha green tea powder
    • vanilla
    • icing sugar
    • butter
    • mint flavouring
    • green food colouring

    Close up of a singe vanilla cupcake on a plate ready to eat.

    So if you have baked a boxed cake mix, YOU GOT THIS! The added green tea really takes that cake mix up a notch. Now, just make the green buttercream (with mint flavour) and pipe it on. You can frost however YOU like. Pile it on. Use some fun decorating tips. For this recipe, I used a *1M and *#32 tip to create the cute spring like flowers on top of these pretty cupcakes.

    Baking from scratch can be fun and rewarding. Baking from scratch can seem overwhelming to some people. If you want to bake, but don’t want the stress, Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box is the perfect recipe.

    What is your favourite thing to bake? Cake, cupcakes, pie, cookies or muffins?

    If you are looking for a fun child themed cupcake to decorate, check out these Sesame Street Cupcakes. They were a hit at my grandson’s party!!

    Don’t forget to sign up for my WEEKLY NEWSLETTER and grab your FREE printable. FOLLOW ME on social media too.

    Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes (From A Box) Pin Image

     

    Need to make dessert, but don’t have a lot of time? This Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box recipe is here to help. | homemadeandyummy.com

    Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box

    Need to make dessert, but don’t have a lot of time? This Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box recipe is here to help.
    5 from 20 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save Saved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Cupcakes, Dessert
    Cuisine: Baked, Dessert
    Keyword: Using Matcha
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 22 servings
    Calories: 271kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    For the Cupcakes:

    • 1 store bought cake mix (I used a White Cake Mix)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 4 teaspoons matcha green tea powder

    For the Buttercream:

    • 1 cup butter (softened)
    • ½ teaspoons salt
    • 5 cups icing sugar (sifted)
    • ⅛ teaspoons mint flavouring
    • milk (thin to desired consistency)
    • green gel colouring (enough to achieve desired colour)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven according to box directions. Line a muffin tin with liners.

    To make the Cupcakes:

    • Mix cake mix according to package directions.
    • Add the vanilla and mix.
    • Add the matcha green tea and mix well.
    • Fill muffin liners ⅔ full with batter.
    • Bake according to package directions. Test with cake tester. When done, remove from oven. Let cool for a few minutes, then transfer cupcakes to cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.

    For the Buttercream:

    • Using a stand mixed, cream the butter and salt until fluffy.
    • Start adding the sifted icing sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Blend well each time.
    • Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency of frosting.
    • If you are going to make different coloured icing, divide buttercream into bowls. For this recipe I just removed some of the buttercream into a bowl, since I was using both white and green for the colours.
    • Tint the buttercream to the desired colour.
    • Place your desired tips onto piping bags, and fill the bags with buttercream.
    • Pipe frosting.
    • ENJOY!!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 17mg | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.6mg

    Notes

    The tips I used for this recipe were:
    Green buttercream: 1M
    White buttercream: #32
    Leaf Green for the colour gel
     
    For more green and chocolate, check out Nutella Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins.
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gillian Thompson

      March 24, 2017 at 9:22 am

      As you know i’m a big fan of matcha cup cakes too.. Yours look so pretty with their two tone frosting. I’d say I enjoy baking more than cooking slightly because I have to cook a lot whether I feel like it or not, but baking I do to relax and enjoy, My bakes don’t always turn out perfect mind and it often reflect a state of mind. Don’t bake if you’re stressed or in a hurry!!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 24, 2017 at 9:52 am

        Well for some reason baking can put me in a state of “stress”. Especially if I am making a special cake or dessert…I want it to be perfect. Thank goodness I have found ways to fix imperfections…and I know the pros do too.

    2. Sasha @ Eat Love Eat

      March 18, 2017 at 8:46 am

      This flavour combination looks great! Perfect for St Patricks Day.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 18, 2017 at 10:38 pm

        They were fun to make…and did not last long in our house.

    3. Kristen R.

      March 17, 2017 at 8:22 am

      I love the combo of mint and macha powder in this cupcake recipe! Really interesting idea, and they looks beautiful!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 17, 2017 at 8:33 am

        They sure did not last long in my house.

    4. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

      March 15, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Love this flavor combo – and your decorations are adorable!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 15, 2017 at 7:02 pm

        Thanks….they were fun to make and did not last long here.

    5. Marla Meridith

      March 07, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      So fun for Easter and St Patricks Day!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 07, 2017 at 9:57 pm

        Yes they do work well for both!!

    6. Megan @ MegUnprocessed

      March 07, 2017 at 9:24 am

      Loving the green tea flavor in this cupcakes. How creative!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 07, 2017 at 9:58 pm

        Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you give them a try.

    7. Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed

      March 06, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      I like the idea of almost from scratch recipes, we certainly need a rest from time to time and this is the perfect solution. Your green tea cupcakes look so pretty, I bet the matcha powder adds a lovely flavour.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 1:25 pm

        Thanks so much….yes the tea does add a nice flavour….and I cannot wait for spring.

    8. Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health

      March 06, 2017 at 7:34 am

      We all need a break from time to time, so I totally understand you 😉 You made this cupcakes look absolutely amazing Gloria. I love the colour and addition of matcha tea. Buttercream looks so delicious, adorable and cute. This cupcakes are perfect for St.Patric’s Day … and spring-welcome party! Sharing this off course!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:17 am

        Thanks so much….they were a little bit of fun in the kitchen.

    9. Manju | Cooking Curries

      March 06, 2017 at 4:51 am

      I love how you naturally colored it wtih the matcha. Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:17 am

        Matcha is in the cupcakes…gel colour in the frosting.

    10. Molly Kumar

      March 05, 2017 at 11:47 pm

      What a great roundup of green recipes and I’m so loving the Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes. The double icing look so nice and perfect for St. Patricks.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:18 am

        Thanks so much. It is in the anticipation of nice spring weather for sure.

    11. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

      March 05, 2017 at 11:32 pm

      The color of the cupcake is just beautiful and I love the flavor of the green tea. I like that you used the store bought cake mix as it makes the job much easier.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:19 am

        Well we all need break sometimes….and you can still say it’s homemade!!

    12. Hanady Awada | Recipe Nomad

      March 05, 2017 at 7:37 pm

      I love your almost from scratch philosophy! Great way to add some color and style to a box mix! Recipe saved!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:19 am

        Thanks so much….hope you give these a try.

    13. Donna

      March 05, 2017 at 6:50 pm

      I am with you – my slow cooker definitely comes out on the days when I NEED a break!! Definitely my magician in the kitchen 🙂 These cupcakes are the perfect little treat for St Patrick’s Day!!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:20 am

        Thanks so much. My family had no problem eating these treats!!

    14. swathi

      March 05, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Love this green tea cupcakes , I am in search of good matcha tea powder, which brand you used., then I will give it try great for St.Patty treats.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        March 06, 2017 at 8:20 am

        I used Organic Traditions green tea powder.

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