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Easy Festive Red White & Blue Cupcakes Recipe for Perfect Parties

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These festive red, white & blue cupcakes are quick, easy, and perfect for patriotic celebrations or any fun occasion. They feature moist vanilla cupcakes layered with vibrant natural colors and a light, creamy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Blue gel food coloring
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat ½ cup softened butter with granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one, blue to another, and leave the last bowl white. Stir gently to mix colors evenly.
  7. Spoon a tablespoon of each color into each cupcake liner, layering gently without swirling.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed.
  11. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, adjusting consistency as needed. Beat on high for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Once cupcakes are cooled, pipe or spread frosting on top. Decorate with star-shaped sprinkles or fresh berries if desired.

Notes

Use gel food coloring to keep batter consistency and vibrant colors. Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Level domed cupcakes with a serrated knife before frosting for neat appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: red white and blue cupcakes, patriotic cupcakes, easy party cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, festive desserts, Fourth of July cupcakes

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-festive-red-white-and-blue-cupcakes-recipe-for-perfect-parties/