Things to Make - The BEST cupcakes ever

I make an amazing cupcake, it's sort of my claim to fame at mom events. Seriously. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and it tastes wonderful. The good news is that the recipe is "easy peasy" as my kids would say. On the downside, it's full of bad-for-you stuff, hence the wonderful taste. We don't make cupcakes often, but they seemed like a necessary step for breaking in the new house. Especially when winter blahs fill the afternoons. Nothing like a sugar rush when you're stuck inside.

Here's the scoop:

Cupcakes

You'll need:
cupcake liners
1 box (18.5 ounces) yellow cake mix (funfetti mix also works)
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine ingredients in large mixing bowl and blend with an electric mixer.

3. Pour batter into cupcake cups with paper liners, you should have enough for 22-24 cupcakes.

4. Bake until lightly golden, 18-22 minutes.

Frosting

You'll need:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temp
8 tablespoons butter, room temp
2.5 - 2.75 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Mix the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on low until slightly fluffy.

2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar on medium speed. After all sugar is added, add the vanilla extract.

3. Beat for approximately 5 minutes.