Sweet Treat: Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Cupcakes

by Carol Hanshew on June 1st, 2024 | No Comments »

I can hardly believe the Fourth of July is almost here! My family will celebrate by watching fireworks and eating good food—including our fair share of desserts, I’m sure. When it comes to special holidays I love getting my kids in on the act by helping me in the kitchen.

More than anything we love to bake cupcakes. My inspiration for these 4th of July cupcakes came from a recipe found in our beloved Cooking for Kids Bible. My children were clamoring to make them. Fun and festive, these red, white, and blue cupcakes are sure to make any Fourth of July celebration shine!

Double Chocolate 4th of July Cupcakes

(Recipe adapted from Everyday Food magazine)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cupcake pan. Sift the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted butter. Beat on low speed until moist. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth, just until combined. Fill each cupcake tin two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cool in pan; invert onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

White Chocolate Frosting

(Recipe from Betty Crocker's Best of Baking cookbook)

Ingredients

3 ounces baking white chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2-3 tablespoons water

Directions

Melt chocolate in a large bowl for 30-second intervals at 50% power in the microwave until smooth. Add the butter, confectioners' sugar, and almond extract. Beat in water a tablespoonful at a time until the frosting is desired consistency.

For stars: freeze a cupcake, then cut into 1-inch slices. Have your children use a star cookie cutter to cut cake into star shapes. Decorate cupcakes with stars and assorted sprinkles or colorful candies.

What is your favorite 4th of July treat?

Carol Hanshew is a ministry wife, the mother of two wonderful children, and the creator of CafeCarol.com, where she loves to share favorite recipes with friends and family. When she's not spending time with family or baking, you'll most likely find her running or reading a good book.