Not only are they beautiful, but these Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting come together easily. Here’s how. Boxed cake mix gets a huge upgrade with peppermint extract, while the frosting is also filled with cool peppermint flavor and topped with crushed candy cane.

These cupcakes are perfect when you want to make something that looks fancy and taste great without spending all day doing it. Perfect for holiday parties or just any time around Christmas when you’re feeling festive.
By the way, we have some other peppermint treats that’ll satisfy your holiday spirit. For one, check out this easy peppermint fudge with condensed milk. And don’t miss our chocolate peppermint pretzels. Both are delicious and giftable.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
- If you’re trying to lighten your load this Christmas season, this is the right treat. Why? We used boxed chocolate cake mix and an easy peppermint frosting.
- We added peppermint extract to the cupcake mix and the frosting, so you’ll find that cool mint flavor in every bite. They’re undeniably Christmas.
- They look festive, but they require virtually no cake decorating skills. All you do is pipe on the frosting and add crushed candy canes.
Ingredients

- Chocolate Cake Box Mix – or you can use your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint Frosting
Crushed Candy Canes
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting
Prepare the cupcakes according to the package instructions, adding the peppermint extract to the batter before filling the cupcake liners.
Prepare the frosting according to the recipe. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and set aside.

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Repeat until all of the cupcakes are frosted. Enjoy!

Top Tip
Always allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. Even slight warmth can cause the frosting to melt and look messy.
Storage
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Other No Bake Desserts You’ll Love
- No Bake Mixed Berry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
- Lemon Mousse Recipe
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
- Easy Oreo Delight
FAQ
Of course. Cupcakes are so easy to make ahead of time. If you have a container that fits frosted cupcakes, you can store them there. If not, you can bake the cupcakes. Then wait to frost them until you’re ready to serve them.
You can. But remember that peppermint extract is strong. A little goes a long way. You want the flavor to be refreshing instead of overpowering.
Sure. White chocolate and peppermint are a flavor pairing made in heaven; white or vanilla cake can work too.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Chocolate Cake Mix
- ½ Tsp Peppermint Extract
- 2 Cups Peppermint Frosting
- ⅓ Cup Crushed Candy Canes
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcakes according to the package instructions, adding the peppermint extract to the batter before filling the cupcake liners.
- Prepare the frosting according to the recipe. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and set aside.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Repeat until all of the cupcakes are frosted. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving.
- For the best texture, add the crushed candy canes shortly before serving.






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