Description
Festive and colorful Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes perfect for patriotic celebrations like the 4th of July, featuring vibrant vanilla cupcakes topped with tri-color buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Red food coloring
- Blue food coloring
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Add flour mixture in batches alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Tint one with red food coloring, one with blue, and leave the third plain.
- Spoon a small amount of each color into the cupcake liners, layering as desired.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Divide frosting into three parts. Tint one red, one blue, and leave one white. Use a piping bag to swirl the three colors on top of cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant hues.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can use a tri-color piping bag or stripe frosting inside piping bag for the swirl effect.