Donut Cupcake + 3 Frostings

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but it sounds delicious! I've also added the recipe for three different frostings.

Donut Cupcake

1 box yellow cake mix

1 (4-oz.) pkg vanilla instant pudding mix (powder only)

1/4 c mashed potatoes (instant works)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 c milk

Mix together all ingredients until well combined. Fill paper liners 3/4 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting suggestions:

Caramel Cream

Vanilla Buttercream

Chocolate Buttercream

Caramel Cream

4 T butter

1/4 c brown sugar

1/4 c dark brown sugar

2-3 T whole milk

1 c powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

*You're going to want to use a wooden spoon with this. If you have a steel pot/pan, use that - basically, preferably not non-stick. But use what you have. :)

Place butter and brown sugars in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir and cook the mixture until it comes to a boil.

Add milk and bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring constantly.

Remove pan from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.

Allow cupcakes to cool slightly before frosting. Frosting will harden when cooled completely.

Vanilla Buttercream

1 stick butter, room temperature (NOT melted!)

3-3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

3-4 T milk or cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Stop beating before adding sugar to avoid a large mess.

Add sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Beat frosting starting on slow, increasing your speed until frosting is nice and creamy. Add up to 1 more T milk or cream if frosting is too thick.

Chocolate Buttercream

1 stick butter, room temperature

1/3 c cocoa

3-3/4 c powdered sugar, sifted

304 T milk or cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Stop mixer before adding cocoa to avoid a large mess.

Add cocoa, sugar, 3 T milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Beat frosting starting on slow speed and add up to 1 more T milk or cream is frosting is too thick.