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Festive Firework Cupcakes with Red White Blue Frosting Swirl

festive firework cupcakes - featured image
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These cupcakes feature a simple vanilla base with a hint of almond extract and a vibrant red, white, and blue frosting swirl that mimics fireworks. Perfect for summer celebrations and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220 grams), sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115 grams), softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk (120 ml), room temperature (can substitute with almond milk)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (230 grams), softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480 grams), sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (30–45 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring – red and blue
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed just until combined each time. Do not overmix.
  7. Spoon batter evenly into liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  10. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust cream quantity for swirl consistency.
  11. Divide frosting into three bowls. Color one with red gel, one with blue gel, and leave one plain (white).
  12. Lay out plastic wrap or parchment paper. Spread lines of red, white, and blue frosting side-by-side lengthwise. Roll into a log and twist ends closed. Snip one end to fit into a piping bag.
  13. Fill a large piping bag fitted with a round tip with the frosting log. Pipe swirls onto each cupcake starting from the outside edge inward to create a firework swirl pattern.
  14. If colors blend too much, chill the frosting log briefly before piping.

Notes

Use softened but not melted butter for best texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes tender. Use gel food coloring to keep frosting thick and vibrant. Chill frosting log if colors start to blend. Use an ice cream scoop for even cupcake sizing. Practice piping on parchment paper if new to piping.

Nutrition

Keywords: cupcakes, patriotic cupcakes, red white blue frosting, summer dessert, easy cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, party dessert

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/festive-firework-cupcakes-recipe-easy-red-white-blue-frosting-swirl-tutorial/