Ah, pink lemonade—just the sound of it brings back memories of lazy summer afternoons, the sun warming your skin while a gentle breeze rustles the trees. These easy pink lemonade cupcakes are like a burst of sunshine on your taste buds, tangy and sweet, perfect for any occasion or just because it’s Tuesday. My neighbor once told me they taste like a warm hug in cupcake form, and honestly, who could resist that?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place paper liners in 24 cupcake molds.
- Mix the water and pink lemonade powder until fully dissolved.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, lemonade mixture, applesauce, lemon zest, food coloring, and oil. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the lined cupcake molds, filling them evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle confetti sprinkles on top, and bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Ingredients
- 18.25 oz package of confetti cake mix (such as Duncan Hines)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar-free pink lemonade powdered mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- Zest from half of a lemon
- 2 drops of pink food coloring (optional)
- Confetti sprinkles (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2340 kcal | Carbohydrates: 420 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 60 g | Sodium: 2484 mg | Sugar: 240 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different cake mix instead of confetti cake mix?
- Yes, you can use any cake mix you prefer, but using a confetti cake mix adds a fun and colorful element to the cupcakes.
- Is it necessary to add pink food coloring?
- The pink food coloring is optional and mainly for visual appeal. If you prefer a natural look or wish to avoid food coloring, you can omit it.
- What can I use as a substitute for the applesauce?
- Unsweetened applesauce is used to keep the cupcakes moist while reducing fat content. However, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or mashed banana if preferred.
- How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
- The cupcakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which should be around 22 minutes in the oven.
- Can I store these cupcakes, and how long will they last?
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Tips
- To achieve a vibrant pink hue in your cupcakes, consider adding a couple of drops of pink food coloring to the batter, but this step is optional if you prefer a more natural look.
- For an added burst of lemon flavor, incorporate the zest from half a lemon into the batter, which will complement the pink lemonade mix beautifully.
- Use unsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative to some of the oil, which will help keep the cupcakes moist without adding extra fat.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly and maintain their structure.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Wire racks
