Grinch Cupcakes

We love making Grinch Desserts while we have a Grinch Movie Night. We have made Grinch Cinnamon Rolls, Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies Recipe and Easy 3 Ingredient Grinch Punch Recipe. Cupcakes are always on the list because we can easily make them with a cake mix.

The holidays are the perfect time to bake your favorite holiday desserts. Another cupcake recipe we always make are these Santa Hat Cupcakes as these are perfect to serve with these Grinch Cupcakes.

Why We Love Making Grinch Cupcakes

Grinch desserts are always a family favorite. The combination of the bright green color with the red velvet cake makes these cupcakes always on the list.

They are perfect served on your dessert tray for an impressive dessert. If you have Grinch fans in your family, this is the perfect dessert to make.

Ingredients

• Red Velvet Cake Mix – Plus the ingredients to prepare the cake mix based on the package instructions
• Red Cupcake Liners – Use any liners that you prefer
• Butter – Make sure butter is softened at room temperature
• Red Heart Sprinkles – You can also use red hot candies or red sprinkles

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Change Cake Mix – You can make this recipe with a white cake mix or a yellow cake mix. Use what you prefer.
• Frosting – You can also top this holiday treat with a cream cheese frosting. We have even made these cupcakes with white frosting and red frosting and added eyebrows with black icing to create a Grinch face.
• Addition – For even more flavor you can add in peppermint extract or chocolate chips for a delicious variations.

How to Make Grinch Cupcakes

• Step 1 – Combine the cake mix ingredients in a large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is completely combined. Bake the red velvet cake mix based on the cupcake instructions using the red cupcake liners in the oven. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature in the cupcake pan.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and butter until combined and smooth. Then slowly add in the powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) on low speed until well combined.

Step 3 – Then stir in the vanilla extract and milk until combined. Then add a few drops of the green food coloring until the buttercream frosting is a bright green color (like the color of the grinch). 

Step 4 – Then use a 1M piping tip and a decorator’s bag, fill it with the green frosting. Gently frosting each cupcake with a swirl.  You want to slowly build up the frosting on top of the cupcake using a circular motion.

Step 5 – Then place a red heart on the top of each cupcake. Then the cupcakes are ready to serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Adding Sprinkles – Make sure to add the sprinkles immediately after you frosting the cupcakes as they will not stick if the frosting has already fully set.
• Muffin Tins – We like to use paper liners in the cupcake pans before pouring in the cupcake batter. This helps with cleanup and I usually like to pick ones that are fun and festive.
• Piping Frosting – The best way to frost the cupcakes is by using a piping bag. There are many types of piping tips to change the way your frosting looks. So it is fun to be creative and use what you prefer.
• Cool Cupcakes – We recommend allowing the baked cupcakes to cool on a wire rack before frosting. This will prevent them cupcakes from crumbling and causing the frosting to melt.

How Long to Bake Cupcakes

Since we are using a cake mix, we bake the cupcakes according to the instructions on the box. I always check cupcakes with a toothpick to ensure that they are fully cooked.

Insert the toothpick in the center of the cupcake, if the toothpick comes out clean then the cupcakes are finished baking.

Can I Make Red Velvet Cake From Scratch?

We like using a Red Velvet Cake Mix for a quick and easy dessert. But you can make this cupcake recipe with this Easy Red Velvet Cupcake recipe.

It is easy to combine the dry ingredients such as all purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt and sugar with the unsalted butter, oil and eggs. You probably already have everything to make these for your next Christmas Party.