Festive, fluffy, and bursting with patriotic spirit, these Fourth of July Cupcakes are the perfect treat to celebrate Independence Day! With swirls of red, white, and blue, a creamy homemade frosting, and festive toppings, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or fireworks night!
Let’s get baking and make your Fourth of July a little sweeter!
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
🎇 Perfectly patriotic. Red, white, and blue cupcakes that scream celebration!
🎂 Box mix magic. Quick and easy, with bakery-quality results.
🍋 Light lemony frosting. Creamy, tangy, and not overly sweet.
🎉 Kid-friendly fun. Let the kids swirl the colors and sprinkle on the stars!
🤍 Totally customizable. Swap toppings, add berries, or go glitter-crazy!
What Do These Cupcakes Taste Like?
Light, moist, and subtly sweet with pockets of melted white chocolate chips in every bite. The buttercream frosting is ultra creamy with a hint of lemon for freshness—perfectly balanced and festive with a little candy crunch from the sprinkles and licorice toppers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for these show-stopping cupcakes:
🧁 For the Cupcakes:
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1 box white cake mix – Any brand works!
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Gel food coloring – Red & blue (use gel for vibrant colors)
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1 cup white chocolate chips – Sweet surprises inside every bite
🍋 For the Frosting:
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1 cup salted butter – Softened to room temp
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4–5 cups powdered sugar – Depending on how sweet you like it
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5–7 tbsp heavy cream – Adjust for desired consistency
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1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the frosting
🎇 For Decoration:
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Red pull-and-peel licorice (6 pieces) – For festive toppers
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Patriotic sprinkles – Stars, stripes, and sparkle!
Tools You’ll Need
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Muffin/cupcake pan
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Cupcake liners
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Piping bag + star tip (optional)
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Toothpicks or skewers (for swirling)
How to Make Fourth of July Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake pan with festive liners.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Prepare the white cake mix according to the box directions. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
Step 3: Color and Swirl
Divide the batter into three bowls. Leave one plain (white), and tint the other two red and blue using gel food coloring.
Spoon small amounts of each color into each cupcake liner, layering red, white, and blue. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream. Mix in the lemon juice and beat until fluffy and smooth.
👉 Tip: Add more cream to thin it out or more sugar to thicken.
Step 6: Decorate!
Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with patriotic sprinkles and cut pieces of red licorice for firework-style toppers.
Tips for the Best Cupcakes
✔ Use gel coloring for bold, vibrant layers that don’t water down your batter.
✔ Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
✔ Get creative! Add blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
✔ Make ahead – Bake cupcakes a day early and frost right before serving.
✔ Chill frosting briefly if your kitchen is warm for cleaner piping.
How to Store
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Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days.
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days. Let come to room temp before eating.
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Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts: A Firework-Worthy Treat!
These Fourth of July Cupcakes are the perfect combo of festive fun and flavorful sweetness. From the colorful swirls to the creamy lemon frosting and fun toppings, they’ll wow your guests and disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a tray to the party—everyone’s going to want one!
More Festive Desserts to Try:
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Bars
🎆 Red, White & Blue Trifle Cups
🍒 Cherry Pie Cookie Cups