These Red, White and Blue Cupcakes look simple on the outside, but slice one open and you’ll see bold layers baked right into the cake. The tri-color batter stacks up in the liner and bakes into a fun striped effect that’s perfect for summer celebrations.
They’re bright, festive, and easy to prep ahead, which makes them ideal for cookouts and holiday dessert tables. Add a swirl of frosting and a handful of sprinkles, and they’re ready to serve.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the batter briefly if needed. If it feels too thin, a quick 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge helps keep the layers from blending together.
- Spoon gently and spread lightly. Drop each color in the center and gently nudge it outward so the layers stay distinct.
- Cool completely before frosting. Even slightly warm cupcakes can melt frosting and blur the clean look on top.
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Red, White, & Blue Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- red gel food coloring
- blue gel food coloring
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to the cake mix directions, usually 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one bowl plain. Tint one bowl red and one bowl blue using gel food coloring. Stir until the colors are fully blended.
- Spoon a tablespoon of blue batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Gently add a layer of white batter on top, followed by a layer of red batter.
- Bake according to package directions, usually 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and top with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.