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Fluffy Star-Spangled Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

fluffy star-spangled vanilla cupcakes - featured image
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These fluffy vanilla cupcakes with tangy cream cheese frosting are perfect for easy Fourth of July treats. They are quick, simple, and festive, making them a crowd-pleaser for any summer celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (separate yolks and whites)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or almond milk)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • Optional: edible glitter or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate eggs. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (3–5 minutes). Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  5. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add sifted dry ingredients and milk in three additions, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  7. Gently fold whipped egg whites into batter in three parts using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  8. Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
  9. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low until combined. Add a pinch of salt.
  11. Divide frosting into three bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one, blue to another, and leave the last plain white.
  12. Use piping bags to swirl the colors on cooled cupcakes in star shapes or stripes for a star-spangled look.
  13. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10–15 minutes before decorating. Optionally, level cupcake tops with a serrated knife before frosting.

Notes

Whip egg whites to soft peaks and fold gently to keep cupcakes fluffy. Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without thinning. Frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and re-whip before use. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Baking time may vary with convection ovens; reduce temperature by 25°F and watch closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, Fourth of July, patriotic cupcakes, easy cupcakes, festive desserts, summer treats

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/fluffy-star-spangled-vanilla-cupcakes-perfect-for-easy-fourth-of-july-treats/