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Homemade Red White and Blue Cupcakes photo

Red White and Blue Cupcakes

These Red White and Blue Cupcakes are a festive treat! Fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with vibrant buttercream frosting, perfect for summer celebrations!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
For the Frosting:
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup butter at room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy or regular whipping cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Cupcake pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Piping Bags and Tips
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
  2. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar - In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla - Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  5. Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/4 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  6. Step 6: Divide the Batter - Divide the batter into three bowls. Tint one portion with red gel paste, another with blue gel paste, and leave one portion white. Ensure the colors are vibrant for a striking effect.
  7. Step 7: Layer the Batter - Spoon the red batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner, filling them about one-third full. Next, add the white batter to fill another third, and finally top with the blue batter, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  8. Step 8: Bake - Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
  9. Step 9: Prepare the Frosting - In a clean mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) of room-temperature butter and 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to achieve your desired consistency.
  10. Step 10: Decorate - Using a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream frosting. You can swirl the frosting to create a beautiful effect. Optionally, you can sprinkle some edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.

Notes

  • For a tropical twist, substitute regular milk with coconut milk.
  • Feel free to experiment with different flavors of frosting, like cream cheese or chocolate.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.