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Perfect Patriotic Star-Spangled Cupcakes Easy Buttercream Swirl Recipe

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These festive vanilla cupcakes feature a moist cake base topped with a creamy, colorful buttercream swirl perfect for patriotic celebrations like July 4th. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk (120 ml), room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 g), softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480 g), sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • Gel food coloring in red, blue, and white
  • Optional: edible star-shaped sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla extract, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until batter is smooth and thick.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full using a spoon or small ice cream scoop.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops spring back lightly to the touch.
  8. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. For the buttercream, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Divide frosting into three bowls; tint one red, one blue, and leave one white.
  12. Spoon dollops of each color side-by-side into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  13. Pipe a tight swirl starting at the outer edge of each cupcake inward, building height to form a star-shaped peak.
  14. Optionally, finish with edible star sprinkles.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning the frosting. Keep butter soft but not melted for easier whipping. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. If buttercream is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes and re-beat before piping. For dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives. Variations include gluten-free flour, chocolate base, vegan flax eggs, and flavor twists like lemon zest or blueberries.

Nutrition

Keywords: patriotic cupcakes, buttercream swirl, July 4th dessert, vanilla cupcakes, festive cupcakes, star-shaped frosting, easy cupcakes, holiday dessert

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