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Red White and Blue Cupcakes Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

Celebrate with these festive Red White and Blue Cupcakes featuring layers of vibrant red, white, and blue batter topped with creamy vanilla frosting and sparkling sanding sugar. Perfect for patriotic holidays or any special occasion, these moist cupcakes combine a classic white cake base with a colorful twist and luscious homemade frosting.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling and frosting prep)
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

  • 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water or milk
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 tsp clear vanilla extract OR strawberry extract
  • Red food coloring gel
  • Blue food coloring gel

Decoration

  • Red sanding sugar
  • Blue sanding sugar

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp clear vanilla OR strawberry extract
  • 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix the batter: In a stand mixer bowl or using a hand mixer, combine the white cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, water (or milk), egg whites, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate ingredients, then scrape down the bowl edges. Continue mixing on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  3. Divide and color the batter: Split the batter evenly into three medium-sized bowls, about 1 cup each. Add red food coloring to one bowl gradually, mixing thoroughly after each drop until you reach a vibrant red (about 8-9 drops). Add blue food coloring to the second bowl similarly until you get a bright blue color (about 6 drops). Leave the third bowl without coloring for the white batter.
  4. Layer the batter in liners: For each cupcake liner, start by spooning 1 tablespoon of red batter into the bottom, spreading it evenly. Follow with 1 tablespoon of the white batter on top, then finish by adding 1 tablespoon of blue batter, creating a layered, patriotic look. Adjust the order if preferred to have blue on top first.
  5. Bake the cupcakes: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, they are done. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and the vanilla or strawberry extract, beating for another minute until well blended. Mix in 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk and continue beating for 1 minute until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add extra cream one tablespoon at a time if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  7. Frost and decorate: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle red and blue sanding sugars on the frosting to enhance the festive look. Store the cupcakes chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness and frosting stability.

Notes

  • To keep the frosting light and fluffy, use softened butter and gradually add cream.
  • For a more intense color, gel food coloring works best as it won’t thin the batter.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Use clear vanilla or strawberry extract to maintain the bright white color of the frosting.
  • Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/red-white-and-blue-cupcakes-recipe/