Ingredients
1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
1 box instant vanilla pudding
2 c. cold milk
1 c. butter, softened
4 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 c. sugar
Preparation
Step 1Bake cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350° and line two cupcake pans with 18 liners.Step 2Prepare vanilla cake batter according to package instructions and divide between cupcake liners. Bake according to package instructions. Let cool completely.Step 3Make filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 3 minutes.Step 4Make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add half of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar, vanilla and salt, and beat until fluffy. Add heavy cream if the frosting is too thick.Step 5Using a paring knife or small melon scoop, cut a small well out of each cupcake and fill it with vanilla pudding. Then, using a small offset spatula, spread frosting on top. Sprinkle each cupcake immediately with sugar. Step 6Transfer filled and frosted cupcakes to a large runner baking sheet and broil until the sugar on top of the frosting caramelizes, about 2 minutes. Let cool completely, then serve.
