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French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamsicle Filling

These scrumptious French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamscicle Filling are a cake mix hack that will turn any baker into a dessert hero.
how to make French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamscicle Filling

French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamsicle Filling is a Cake Mix Hack 

I love to make filled cupcakes using seasonal fruit.  After a trip to the grocery store earlier this week, we came home with a large bag of Clementines. My mind kicked into full motion, and I began to imagine how many different dishes I could create using these little gems. They certainly don’t need any help, they’re delicious all on their own.  These french vanilla cupcakes were one of the recipes I came up with and the dreamsicle filling tastes just like Summer.
creamsicle filled vanilla cupcakes

 

Helpful Tips for Making Dreamsicle Filled French Vanilla Cupcakes

  • If you prefer to make the cupcakes from scratch, use the recipe for my Old Fashioned Butter Cake. Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla bean paste, to give it the creamy French vanilla flavor.
  • To assemble, use a sharp knife and cut out the center of each cupcake leaving approximately a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Those little nuggets become the baker’s treat.
  • Be careful not to cut all the way to the bottom of the cupcake.
  • You can use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or a storage bag with the corner cut, to pipe a dollop of french vanilla whipped topping onto each cupcake, then garnish with additional clementine zest.
  • Allow ample time for the cupcakes to chill so the filling will set, before serving.
  • If you are unable to find fresh clementines you can use always use the equivalent amount of tangerines.
  • Other filled cupcakes to try: Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes, Banana Pudding Cupcakes and Cheesecake Cupcakes from the Recipe Rebel.
easy French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamscicle Filling

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

French Vanilla Cupcakes with Dreamsicle Filling

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Chill time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 40 minutes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: filled-cupcake-recipes, french-vanilla-cupcakes, vanilla-cupcakes-with-dreamsicle-filling
Servings: 16 cupcakes
Calories: 211kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1 15.25 oz package french vanilla cake mix plus eggs, oil water to prepare
  • 1 8 oz block softened neufchatel cream cheese
  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups whole milk or half & half
  • 3/4 cup roughly chopped Clementines with seeds and pith removed
  • 1 8 oz container frozen vanilla or french vanilla whipped topping thawed
  • 1 Tbsp Clementine zest plus additional for garnishing

Instructions

  • To prepare the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 16 cup muffin tin with liners. Set aside.
  • Prepare cake mix per the instructions on the box. (Pro tip: Use buttermilk in place of the water for a richer flavor). Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean. Set aside to cool completely.
  • To prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese. Add instant vanilla pudding and milk. Whip on medium-high speed for at least 2 minutes or until thickened and the mixture is smooth.
  • Fold in chopped clementines, 1 cup of vanilla whipped topping and zest by hand.
  • To assemble: Using a sharp knife, cut out a portion of the center of each cupcake leaving approximately a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way to the bottom of the cake shell.
  • Divide filling between cupcakes.. Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe a dollop of whipped topping onto each cupcake, and garnish with additional zest.
  • Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set-up before serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer to make the cupcakes from scratch, use the recipe for my Old Fashioned Butter Cake. Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla bean paste, to give it the creamy French vanilla flavor.
  • If you are unable to find Clementines you can use equivalent amount of tangerines. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

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