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.
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 any flavour you like.
Our #FoodBlogGenius collaboration this month is all about the colour Green. I think everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. Check out the 6 Delicious Green Recipes. We will have you eating green all day long!!
Matcha Green Tea Crepes by Julia from Imagelicious
Crustless Kale Artichoke Ricotta Quiche by Veena from Veena Azmanov
Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box by Gloria from Homemade & Yummy
Kiwi Pear Spinach Pineapple Smoothie by Melissa & Greg from My Wife Can Cook
Gluten Free Grasshopper Brownies by Sarah from The Fit Cookie
Peppermint Choc Chip Nicecream by Kirsten from Treat Yourself Sweeter
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.
Do You Like To Bake?
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 you favourite thing to bake?
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.
Almost From Scratch
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. This works for cooking too, like my Almost Homemade Pizza recipe.
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.
Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box are a perfect example of the almost from scratch baking. Add some vanilla extract and matcha green tea powder to a store bought cake mix. Frost with some mint flavoured buttercream.
No one will ever know you didn’t bake these from scratch. They are beautiful and delicious. The best part is that you didn’t have to play the mad scientist role to bake them.
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?
Talking about muffins, Nutella Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins are perfect for brunch, snacks, or alongside your favourite tea or latte.
Don’t forget to check out all the GREEN recipes from the bloggers of #FoodBlogGenius.
Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 store bought cake mix (I used a White Cake Mix)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp matcha green tea powder
For the Buttercream:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 cups icing sugar (sifted)
- 1/8 tsp mint flavouring
- milk (thin to desired consistency)
- green gel colouring (enough to achieve desired colour)
Instructions
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Preheat oven according to box directions. Line a muffin tin with liners.
To make the Cupcakes:
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Mix cake mix according to package directions.
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Add the vanilla and mix.
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Add the matcha green tea and mix well.
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Fill muffin liners 2/3 full with batter.
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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:
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Using a stand mixed, cream the butter and salt until fluffy.
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Start adding the sifted icing sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Blend well each time.
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Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency of frosting.
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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.
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Tint the buttercream to the desired colour.
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Place your desired tips onto piping bags, and fill the bags with buttercream.
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Pipe frosting.
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ENJOY!!
Recipe 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.
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!!! 🙂
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.
This flavour combination looks great! Perfect for St Patricks Day.
They were fun to make…and did not last long in our house.
I love the combo of mint and macha powder in this cupcake recipe! Really interesting idea, and they looks beautiful!
They sure did not last long in my house.
Love this flavor combo – and your decorations are adorable!
Thanks….they were fun to make and did not last long here.
So fun for Easter and St Patricks Day!
Yes they do work well for both!!
Loving the green tea flavor in this cupcakes. How creative!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you give them a try.
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.
Thanks so much….yes the tea does add a nice flavour….and I cannot wait for spring.
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!
Thanks so much….they were a little bit of fun in the kitchen.
I love how you naturally colored it wtih the matcha. Looks delicious!
Matcha is in the cupcakes…gel colour in the frosting.
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.
Thanks so much. It is in the anticipation of nice spring weather for sure.
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.
Well we all need break sometimes….and you can still say it’s homemade!!
I love your almost from scratch philosophy! Great way to add some color and style to a box mix! Recipe saved!
Thanks so much….hope you give these a try.
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!!
Thanks so much. My family had no problem eating these treats!!
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.
I used Organic Traditions green tea powder.
What a cute idea for St Patrick’s Day! I love the green – super festive.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
These are so beautiful and perfectly springy! I love that the color reflects the green tea flavor and isn’t just decoration. 🙂
We are certainly looking forward to spring.
What a cute cupcake idea! The flowers on top are perfect for Spring 🙂
Thanks Sarah….they were fun to make.
I am always looking for ways to use the matcha that I bought. I had plans to make matcha tea lattes on the daily and that just hasn’t worked out. I can’t wait to use it with these deliciously sweet cupcakes. And I know my kids will eat them because they’ve never turned down a cupcake!
I know my grandkids loved them….along with my husband.
Gloria, these cupcakes look so cute! I”m such a huge fan of green tea, so I’m loving the flavour profile. And, they are so festive; perfect for St. Patty’s Day!
Thanks Byron…just something fun and easy for a change is great.
Loving it… I love the idea of the matcha, I love the idea of having the option of quick, box cupcakes for those days your short on time or … just feeling like you wanna cheat 😉 You are having a mild winter? We are having a milder summer over here too… I had on long sleeve top and pants the other day…. not that I am complaining, I am ready for the leaves to change colour 🙂
The weather is weird all over the place. Green tea works well in so many things. “Cheat” recipes are fun…and you can still say homemade too.
What a great little trick! Cake mixes are good fun when baking with kids too, I find. Definitely less messy. 🙂
Yes that is true. An easy way to say homemade and get away with it.
I am definitely looking forward to spring! These cupcakes look so festive and fun!
Yes fun to make and pretty to look at.
These look heavenly! Love that they involve green tea. Perfect for St. Patty’s day!
Yes…love the GREEN they represent.
What a great treat for St. Patrick’s Day! I like baking from scratch, but sometimes the box is necessary…and works just as well.
Everyone needs a break now and again.
These cupcakes are so pretty and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. I like how you used the semi homemade approach since sometimes it’s nice to have a little break in the kitchen.
Sometimes we are strapped for time…and still want to make a statement.
I just made matcha cupcakes, what a coincidence! I love how matcha naturally colours the cakes so beautifully. You’re look delightful I’m going to ice mine tomorrow. x
It is a fun ingredient to work with, and totally delicious.
Just got myself my first matcha kit… so far I only did a matcha latte and want to experiment more with it! This is the perfect recipe for it! Thanks a lot for sharing they look divine those little green cupcakes!
Thanks so much. Such a fun ingredient to work with.
I’m right there with you – there is definitely a time and a place for boxed cake mixes. I love how big an impact these have with very little extra effort!
Yes…sometimes we all need a break!!
Thanks for introducing me to Matcha green tea mix, I’ll get it the next time I go grocery shopping. I do love the design of your caupcakes and they look yummy.
You are welcome Fred. You can get it at any health food store….or online. The cupcakes were a hit with my grandchildren.
This screams spring deliciousness!! I do often have matcha green tea in my cupboard as I love using it for baking so I may have to give this a try! YUM!
They are great when you have time issues…and still want to make dessert.
These are so pretty, love the idea of using a box mix when you are in a hurry. Great recipe for the holidays!a
Yup…sometimes we all need a break in the kitchen.
I love your homemade twist on a boxed mix! I’m all about taking convenient items and elevating them into something special. And how cute are those cupcakes?
Sometimes we all need a break in the kitchen. Why not make things a little easier.
These are so pretty, they add such a wonderful splash of colour. And with matcha, healthy too 😉 Thanks for this
HAHAH..you are very welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by.
These look AMAZING! Thanks for the recipe. Always looking for new ways to use green tea. Pinned. !
It works so well in baked items.
Ooh these are so pretty and perfect way to welcome in March! And I live in the Boston area- could not believe I was out in flip flops last week and no back to my winter jacket again! Craziness! Oh well I’ll take the few nice days in February without complaint 🙂
Yes I know…it is FREEZING here today!!
Life gets so hectic nowadays that it helps to have a trick like this up one’s sleeve for a quick sweet treat. That green frosting looks delicious too.
Just a little hint of mint.
You got me at easy. This is a perfect recipe for my son’s st. Patrick’s day school party. Thanks for the idea.
You are very welcome. My grandkids loved them.
I am a huge fan of matcha and my favorite is matcha cake.. Such a unique flavor. These look so delicious Gloria. Cannot wait to try these -so easy too!
Well even you Veena deserve easy with all those beautiful cakes you create.
These are beautiful! I could see myself putting these out anytime throughout Spring. Yum!
The colour is so nice, especially this time of year.
That matcha tea will add lots of antioxidant goodness to these cute cakes
Well maybe it will help when you feel like having two!!
I’m a huge fan of green tea! It does taste fabulous in cupcakes and I love how easy this recipe is. Matcha is a quick, delicious way to infuse tons of that green tea flavor quickly! I’ll definitely be making these soon. They’re so pretty!
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
How pretty these are and how delicious they sound! Perfect for St. Paddy’s day!
Thanks so much….they are green to celebrate the day.
The matcha probably adds some flavor – and some wonderful health benefits – to these delightful cupcakes!
Always a great way to get some extra green tea flavour.
I love having recipes like this for when you need a dessert but don’t have time to do completely from scratch! I have never tried matcha powder, but am intrigued!
Yes we all need some easy things to make now and again.