Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon Cupcakes are a fun, refreshing twist on traditional cupcakes, perfect for summertime gatherings and parties. These delightful cupcakes feature a light and moist cake infused with watermelon flavor, complemented by a sweet, fluffy frosting that mimics the fresh taste of this favorite summer fruit. With their soft pink hue and optional chocolate “seeds,” these cupcakes not only taste amazing but also look festive and fun. Watermelon Cupcakes are the ideal sweet treat to cool down on a warm day, offering a burst of summer freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 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
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup watermelon juice (from fresh watermelon or store-bought)
• Pink or red food coloring (optional)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, to mimic watermelon seeds)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp watermelon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and watermelon juice. If using, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to achieve the desired watermelon hue.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips to resemble watermelon seeds.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the watermelon juice and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add a few drops of green food coloring to mimic a watermelon rind, if desired.
7. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them with the watermelon-flavored frosting. Decorate with additional mini chocolate chips if you like.

These Watermelon Cupcakes are a refreshing, summery dessert that’s as fun to look at as they are to eat, capturing the sweet essence of watermelon in every bite!