Red White And Blue Cupcakes

These Red White and Blue Cupcakes are a festive and colorful dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any celebration that calls for a burst of American pride. With vibrant layers of red, white, and blue cake topped with fluffy frosting and patriotic sprinkles, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
eggs
milk
vanilla extract
red food coloring
blue food coloring
cream cheese (for frosting)
powdered sugar
heavy cream
patriotic sprinkles (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide the batter into three bowls. Leave one plain (white), add red food coloring to one, and blue food coloring to another.

Spoon a bit of blue batter into each cupcake liner, spreading it evenly. Add white batter on top, then finish with red batter. Smooth the tops gently.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in heavy cream until light and fluffy.

Frost the cooled cupcakes and decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cupcakes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use flavored extracts like almond or lemon for a twist.
Swirl the colored batters for a tie-dye effect instead of layering.
Top with mini flags or fruit like strawberries and blueberries.
Swap cream cheese frosting with whipped topping for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To enjoy, bring to room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, a white or vanilla cake mix works well for this recipe.

How do I get even layers of colored batter?
Use a spoon or piping bag and smooth each layer gently before adding the next.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost the day of serving.

What frosting holds up best for warm weather events?
Buttercream with a bit of shortening or stabilized whipped cream works well.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What food coloring is best to use?
Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant colors without thinning the batter.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure even mixing and use two cupcake pans.

Are these suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love the fun colors and sweet flavor.

Can I use natural food dyes?
Yes, but the colors may be softer and more muted.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
Use a buttercream or whipped topping alternative.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Cupcakes are a joyful and eye-catching treat, perfect for any celebration that calls for a bit of patriotic flair. Their colorful layers, moist texture, and creamy frosting make them a crowd favorite that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday BBQ or bringing dessert to a potluck, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

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