Homemade & Yummy

Food doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to taste good.

Easy Vanilla Green Tea Cupcakes From A Box

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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.

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 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!!

#FoodBlogGenius March Collaboration - Green Recipes pin image collage.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 long 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 19 votes
Print Rate
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: Homemade & Yummy

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

  • 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 2/3 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: 6.1% | Calcium: 5.4% | Iron: 3.5%

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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 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

    • 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.

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

  8. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  18. 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!

    Reply

  19. 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!

    Reply

  20. 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 🙂

    Reply

    • 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.

  27. 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!

    Reply

  28. 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!

    Reply

  29. 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.

    Reply

    • You are welcome Fred. You can get it at any health food store….or online. The cupcakes were a hit with my grandchildren.

    • Sometimes we all need a break in the kitchen. Why not make things a little easier.

  35. 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 🙂

    Reply

  36. 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.

    Reply

  41. 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!

    Reply

  44. 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!

    Reply

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