• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cocktails
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Cheeto Cupcakes Your Kids Need to Try

    Published: Jul 26, 2021 · Updated: Jul 26, 2021 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Cheeto Cupcakes Your Kids Need to Try

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Close up of a cupcake made with Cheetos and frosted and topped with a Cheeto.

    These cupcakes are intense in the best possible way! Your kids need to try these Cheeto Cupcakes!

    A subtle vanilla cupcake is topped with a cream cheese frosting and all the Cheetos crumbs!

    This is sweet and cheesy in the best way. If you love easy desserts that start with cake mix and you're a junk food, this is a dessert recipe you need to try!

    A close up of a Cheetos cupcake on a small pink plate.
    These Cheeto Cupcakes are a fun dessert to make with junk food!

    Cheeto Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

    I know what you're thinking. WHAT?!

    I’m going to be honest with you, when I was trying to figure out if Cheetos Cupcakes would turn out and actually be good, I wasn't sure. I love desserts and junk food, so it made sense in my head.

    I mean, how on earth can something as cheesy as a Cheetos be part of something as delicate as a cupcake?

    But since I've added Cheetos to a recipe before, to make a Cheetos and Rosemary Goat Cheese Log, I thought they might work just fine.

    Although when you eat a bag full of Cheetos they have a really strong flavor (and leave you with the craziest orange fingers), when you eat just one or two, they're pretty subtle.

    I really think there is something on the outside of the Cheetos that makes your tongue take notice. But when you crush them up, they mellow out.

    Not ready for cheesy puffs on your treat? Try my Strawberry Jello Cupcakes or my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Cupcakes instead. Or if you want something adult-friendly, check out my Boozy Cupcakes.

    Plain Cheeto cupcakes in a baking pan.

    After you have a Cheeto cupcake for the first time there’s no going back. They are good! And weird.

    It's the type of weird that has you going for seconds but questioning yourself the whole time.

    Scroll down to find a printable recipe card with full measurements and detailed instructions.

    Ingredient Notes

    For the Cupcakes

    Of course, you can make a plain cupcake batter from scratch but I really love the time-savings of using a boxed cake mix. It keeps things so easy.

    It's super easy to change up cake flavors, you know, like adding CHEETOS!

    Eggs, oil and milk are pretty standard additions to a boxed cake mix.

    This recipe also calls for some sour cream. Sour cream helps to make cupcakes moist without thinning the cake batter.

    Cheetos crumbs give the batter a unique flavor. Putting extra crumb on top makes sure that everyone knows what type of cupcake they are eating.

    For the Cream Cheese Frosting

    Butter, vegetable shortening (optional), confectioners sugar (also known as powdered sugar), heavy cream, salt and vanilla extract are items that you may already have on hand for the frosting.

    Cream cheese is what sets this recipe apart. It pairs well with the slight cheese flavor.

    How to make Cheeto Cupcakes

    A small plate with a frosted cupcake topped with a Cheeto and a piece cut off with a fork.

    How to make Cheetos crumbs

    To turn your Cheetos into crumbs there are a few different options.

    The easiest is to grab a small food processor and blend them up. But if you hate the idea of washing equipment, you can put some in a zipper baggie and beat the heck out of it with a rolling pin.

    Make the Cupcakes

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. 
    • Combine the boxed cake mix, eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, Cheetos crumbs in a bowl.
    • Mix with a hand mixer for 4 minutes or until everything is well incorporated.
    • Divide the batter, evenly, between the cupcake liners.
    • Bake for 5 minutes then turn the temperature down to 350 degrees.
    • Bake an additional 10 more minutes or until done. 
    • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.
    A bowl of cream cheese frosting on a table next to Cheetos cupcakes.

    How to make Cream Cheese Frosting

    There are probably a million recipes online but I love to keep things simple around here so I use my Very Best Vanilla Frosting as a base.

    I just subtract half of the butter the recipe calls for and add the same amount of cream cheese. That’s it, simple and to the point.

    Frosted cupcakes on a table with Cheetos scattered around.

    And while I usually love to add some lemon zest or lemon juice to cream cheese frosting in this case I prefer to omit it and let all the cheese flavor shine.

    That makes the Cheetos on top feel cohesive with the cupcake and not introduce fruit... ew.

    Cheeto Cupcakes on a table next to a bowl of cream cheese frosting.

    Decorate with the cream cheese frosting and top with Cheetos crumbs.

    Seriously, it sounds weird, but they're remarkably good. Even if you don't love the flavor it's something you need to make for your kids at least once.

    Cream cheese topped cupcakes with Cheetos on a plate.

    This Cheetos Cupcake Recipe is the type of dessert recipe that gets passed around to friends because it’s that good and totally unique.

    It’s also the type of thing that earns you points with your kids! And let's face it, we're always trying to make the kids happy.

    Sprinkles had a Flamin' Hot Cheeto Cupcakes a while ago. And while I didn't get a chance to try one, I know they were probably amazing!

    Tips for making Cupcakes with Cheetos

    • You can easily substitute Hot Cheetos in this recipe if you want to add a little heat!
    • Use a very light vanilla cake mix. You don’t want to use yellow cake or a super sweet cake mix here. Go with something subtle.
    • Also don’t add any additional vanilla to the cupcake base because it can be a little bit too much with the Cheetos. Trust me on that one.
    • The best frosting combination is cream cheese frosting. I tested this recipe with vanilla frosting and with chocolate frosting and both were slightly off. Cream cheese, on the other hand, gives the cupcakes a cheesy punch that goes so well with the Cheetos.
    • And finally don’t go all out with the Cheetos. Add some crumbs and that’s it. There’s such a thing as too many Cheetos ( I never thought I would say that).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make these with Flamin' Hot Cheetos?

    Yes. If you want to make these hotter, substitute regular Cheetos for Flamin' Hot.

    How do you store the cupcakes?

    Store the cupcakes in an air-tight container in the fridge (especially if frosted). If topped with full Cheetos, they may lose their crunch.

    How long will these cupcakes stay fresh?

    This Cheetos dessert will stay fresh for about 2 days if using some as a garnish. They will last longer without. I would eat them within 2-3 days of making.

    A Cheetos Cucpake on a plate with a fork stuck in it.

    Related Cupcake Recipes

    • These Patriotic Cupcakes with JELLO are good any time of year! They're a fun way to customize simple cupcakes to match any party colors.
    • Rosé Cupcakes are pink and pretty! They're perfect for surprising your girlfriends with!
    • Alcohol Infused Cupcakes are perfect for any adult birthday party! They're just like your favorite cocktails but in dessert form.
    • A collage of four burrata recipes made with tomatoes, peaches, fresh herbs and more.
      9 Burrata Recipe Ideas for Easy Entertaining
    • Woman in black sweatshirt cleaning a small marble topped table.
      Housecleaning Music + How to Manage Cleaning Day
    • An Aperol summer cocktail in a glass on top of a white plate surrounded by fresh limes and topped with a lime slice.
      Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • close up of an orange bowl with Cheerios, a small flower and a toy car in the background.
      Fried Cheerios Recipe with Truffle Oil and Parmesan
    Apple Spice Dump Cake with text around it for email sign up.
    Overhead of Cheeto Cupcakes on a table.

    Cheeto Cupcakes

    These Cheeto Cupcakes are intense in the best possible way! A subtle vanilla cupcake, infused with Cheetos crumbs is topped with a cream cheese frosting for a unique dessert idea. This is sweet, and cheesy in the best possible way.
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 12 cupcakes
    Calories: 558kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    To Make the Cheeto Cupcakes

    • 15.25 ounces cake mix (white cake, or as plain as possible)
    • 3 eggs
    • ⅓ cup oil
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ¼ cup milk
    • ½ cup Cheetos crumbs + extra Cheetos to decorate

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • ½ cup butter
    • ½ cup cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup vegetable shortening
    • 4 cups confectioners sugar
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    For the Cupcakes

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. 
    • Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, sour cream, milk and Cheetos crumbs in a large bowl.
    • Use a hand mixer and mix for 4 minutes or until everything is well incorporated.
    • Divide the batter, evenly, between the cupcake liners.
    • Bake for 5 minutes then turn down the temperature to 350 degrees.
    • Bake for 10 more minutes or until done. 
    • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.

    For the Frosting

    • In a large bowl whip the butter, vegetable shortening, cream cheese and salt until light and fluffy, around 7 minutes.
    • Add half the confectioners sugar and whip up until fluffy.
    • Add vanilla extract and half the heavy cream and mix until fluffy.
    • Repeat the process, alternating between sugar and cream and whip up for 3 more minutes until it’s light and airy.
    • Decorate the Cheetos Cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting and top with Cheetos crumbs.

    Notes

    • You can easily substitute Hot Cheetos in this recipe if you want to add a little heat!
    • Use a very light vanilla cake mix. You don’t want to use yellow cake or a super sweet cake mix here. Go with something subtle.
    • Also don’t add any additional vanilla to the cupcake base because it can be a little bit too much with the Cheetos. Trust me on that one.
    • The best frosting combination is cream cheese frosting. I tested this recipe with vanilla frosting and with chocolate frosting and both were slightly off. Cream cheese, on the other hand, gives the cupcakes a cheesy punch that goes so well with the Cheetos.
    • And finally don’t go all out with the Cheetos. Add some crumbs and that’s it. There’s such a thing as too many Cheetos ( I never thought I would say that).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 558kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    Give these Cheeto Cupcakes a try and let me know what you think!

    More Easy Dessert Recipes

    • A white bowl holding a cake mix and cream cheese dessert dip for Easter with cookies around it.
      Cake Mix and Cream Cheese Dessert Dip Recipe for Easter
    • 3 Easter cupcakes on a table with one cut open to show a surprise inside with Easter sprinkes.
      Cute and Easy Sprinkles Filled Pinata Cupcakes for Easter
    • Top down image of a small square dish filled with homemade strawberry ice cream made with condensed milk topped with candy next to a spoon and napkin.
      Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream with Condensed Milk Recipe
    • Collage with Easter Cake Ideas with text that says "Homemade Cake Ideas for Easter".
      Easter Cake Ideas to Inspire Your Holiday Dessert

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • A microwave bread pudding in a white ramekin.
      Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Woman holding a coupe glass with a Spiced Rum Daiquiri in it.
      Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Close up of a cocktail in a copper mug on a table.
      Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcakes infused with Fireball Whiskey and topped with red buttercream.
      Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Close up of a cup holding coke with a lime garnish next to a bottle of Coke on the table.
      Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • A dish of pasta with some text over it.
      50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.