Patriotic Cupcakes

Patriotic Cupcakes are a festive and colorful way to celebrate national holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any occasion where you want to showcase your love for red, white, and blue. These delightful cupcakes feature a light and fluffy vanilla base that’s topped with vibrant swirls of red, white, and blue buttercream frosting. Simple to make and even more fun to decorate, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering, adding a touch of sweetness and a splash of color to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and blue food coloring
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Make the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the buttercream frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.
6. Color the frosting: Divide the frosting into three equal portions. Leave one portion white, and color the other two portions red and blue using food coloring. Mix each portion until the desired shade is achieved.
7. Frost the cupcakes: To create a swirled effect, place each color of frosting in separate piping bags, then place all three piping bags into one large piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the frosting onto each cooled cupcake in a swirl, creating a red, white, and blue pattern. Alternatively, you can layer the colors directly onto the cupcakes.
8. Decorate: Sprinkle the cupcakes with red, white, and blue sprinkles, if desired.

Enjoy your Patriotic Cupcakes as a delicious and festive treat that adds a burst of color and fun to your holiday celebrations!