Name: Candy Cane Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American

Cake Mix Recipes Verified

February 10, 2026

Candy Cane Cupcakes are the kind of holiday treat that feels like a celebration in every bite. They are festive, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big holiday flavor with minimal fuss.

From the Cook

1/7

Candy Cane Cupcakes

Cake Mix Recipes Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Crush the candy canes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a cupcake pan with liners. (we used red and white and plain red ones)

In a large bowl, or bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add half the batter to a separate bowl and add 4 drops of red food coloring. Stir well.

Add a small amount of white batter to the cupcake liners, then red, then white, then red.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Add about ⅓ of the frosting to a bowl and add a few drops of red food coloring. Stir well.

To a piping bag, layer half the white frosting, red frosting, then the rest of the white frosting.

Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. Top with crushed candy canes.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Color Swirling Magic 🎨
When creating the red and white frosting swirl, use a piping bag with two separate chambers or carefully layer red and white frosting side-by-side for a professional candy cane effect.
Crush Technique for Topping 🔨
To create perfect candy cane sprinkles, place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin, ensuring uniform, fine pieces that distribute evenly on frosting.
Moisture Preservation Hack 💧
Add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil to the cake mix to ensure ultra-moist cupcakes that stay soft and tender, preventing dryness during holiday baking.
Strategic Food Coloring 🎨
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant red swirls without compromising frosting consistency, and add color gradually to achieve the perfect candy cane stripe effect.
Peppermint Extract Boost 🍬
Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter or frosting for an authentic, intensified candy cane flavor that elevates the entire dessert.