01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
02 -
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
03 -
Using a mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 -
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 -
Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately in three parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.
06 -
Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack completely before frosting.
07 -
Cream softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream to desired consistency. Add blue food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.
08 -
Frost cooled cupcakes with blue frosting and sprinkle with red, white, and blue decorations immediately.