Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes (Printer-Friendly)

Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with bright blue frosting and red, white, and blue sprinkles, perfect for festive gatherings.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cupcake Batter

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 3/4 cup buttermilk

→ Frosting

10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
14 - 6 drops blue food coloring
15 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles

# Preparation Steps:

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.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to promote even mixing and a uniform texture.
02 - Check cupcakes with a toothpick a minute or two before bake time is complete to prevent over-baking.
03 - Add heavy cream gradually in frosting to achieve a creamy texture suitable for piping or spreading.
04 - Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant frosting hue.
05 - Apply sprinkles promptly after frosting to ensure they adhere well.