Grinch Cupcakes

These Grinch Cupcakes pipe bright green vanilla buttercream over red velvet cupcakes and finish with a candy heart that grew three sizes, the easiest Grinchmas showstopper.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Grinch Cupcakes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 214kcal

Author Jason Decker

Ingredients

15.25 ounce box red velvet cake mix plus ingredients from the back (water, oil, eggs)
1 cup unsalted butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
neon green gel food coloring
24 jumbo heart sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package directions. Prepare the red velvet batter with the water, oil, and eggs called for on the box, whisking until smooth.
Line muffin tins with red cupcake liners and fill each liner only 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake according to the package directions, about 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
For the buttercream, whip the room temperature butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, followed by the vanilla and milk, whipping until light and fluffy.
Add neon green gel food coloring a small amount at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches a vibrant Grinch green.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a 1M star tip and pipe tall swirls onto the cooled cupcakes. Top each with a jumbo heart sprinkle.

Notes

Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring provides a vibrant green without altering the frosting’s consistency.
Cool Completely: Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Pipe with a Star Tip: Using a 1M frosting tip gives the frosting a fun, swirled look that’s perfect for these cupcakes.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth frosting.
Don’t Overfill Liners: Fill cupcake liners only 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
Customize Decorations: Feel free to get creative with toppings to make these cupcakes uniquely yours.

Nutrition