What do you think of when you hear the words “Fourth of July”? A barbecue and fireworks, probably. And with so many food options — including delicious, juicy burgers, sweet and creamy sheet cakes, and savory potato salads — cupcakes might have totally slipped your mind. But we’re here to make the case for Fourth of July cupcakes as the ideal Independence Day treat, and here’s why.
Casual, grab-and-go desserts are ideal for summer cookouts. Who has time to sit there with a fork and knife and actually cut up a dessert? We want our sweets, and we want them now! There are games to play, loved ones to chat with, and fireworks to watch. Enter the cupcake — a delightful handheld dessert that won’t chain you to the table. Plus, there’s nothing more patriotically pleasing than a tray full of red, white, and blue cupcakes, right? My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of red velvet cupcakes!
Keep scrolling to see our favorite Fourth of July cupcake recipes.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Sweets To Impress
Courtesy of Sweets to Impress Fourth of July Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes
How festive are these adorable red, white, and blue cupcakes? They look like something straight from a bakery — but don't worry, you can totally recreate them. All you need is a creative eye, a little artistic flair, and the sheer willpower to not eat these yummy cakes before you've frosted them! Get the directions from Sweets to Impress.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Confessions Of A Cookbook Queen
Courtesy of Confessions of a Cookbook Queen Fourth of July Bomb Pop Cupcakes
Some of our favorite childhood memories involve Bomb Pops: running to catch the ice cream man or cooling down with the neighborhood kids with a popsicle by the pool. So why not turn one of your favorite summertime snacks into another delectable dessert?
These adorable Bomb-Pop-inspired cupcakes are a tasty tiered treat of blue raspberry, lime, and cherry buttercream frosting. Getting older doesn't mean giving up the foods that make you happy! Get the directions from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Your Cup Of Cake
Courtesy of Your Cup of Cake Red Velvet Fourth of July Cupcakes
The Fourth of July is basically an unofficial celebration of different desserts: ice cream, cake, pie, tarts, you name it. And while we love ourselves some sweets, sometimes you can get sugared out. Fortunately, there's still a way to serve a lighter, healthier Fourth of July cupcake to your guests (or maybe they're all for you; we don't judge!).
These moist red velvet cupcakes take us back to the basics with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Sometimes, simple really is better. Get the directions from Your Cup of Cake.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Fireworks Thegunnysack
Courtesy of The Gunny Sack Fireworks Cupcakes Fourth of July Recipe
Fireworks are a quintessential Fourth of July activity. In addition to watching a vibrant display, you can paint your tongue red, white, and blue with these adorable firework cupcakes for the Fourth. (Just please don't eat the confetti!)
But these aren't real fireworks, you might say. Where are the booms and the thundering sounds? Well, hidden inside the straws are Pop Rocks and sprinkles, which will set off an explosion of flavor in your mouth — and mimic the sounds of an actual firework display. How cool!
Get the directions from The Gunny Sack.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Mommy Moment
Courtesy of Mommy Moment If you're feeling really patriotic, an edible American flag is the perfect way to tell everyone your heart bleeds red, white, and blue. This picture-perfect arrangement looks like almost too good to eat — so it's bittersweet knowing these cupcakes will no doubt be gone in 10 seconds flat. Oh well, the good things in life were made to be enjoyed! Get the directions from Mommy Moment.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Two Sisters Crafting
Courtesy of Two Sisters Crafting Patriotic Marble Cupcakes
You know that old saying, "It's what's on the inside that counts"? Well, what's on the inside of these patriotic marble Fourth of July cupcakes is a red, white, and blue surprise. If you're worried that Fourth of July recipes are too involved for you, don't fret — these cupcakes are easy to make and even easier on the eyes (and the tummy!).
Don't believe us? All you have to do is divvy up your cake batter and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, plop the mix in your cupcake pan and let the oven work its magic. Easy, peasy. Get the directions from Two Sisters Crafting.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Our Family Of Seven
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Is it ice cream or a cupcake? Honestly, we wouldn't be mad at either option. This edible brain teaser is actually a genius creation: a cupcake stuffed inside a sugar cone. The best part is that it's nowhere near as messy as just plain ice cream. There's nothing worse than sticky fingers and a soggy sugar cone, right? Or even sadder is when you have to just shove the entire ice cream and cone into your mouth before you've finished enjoying it because it's too much of a mess. No fun!
Fortunately, you don't have that problem here. Now, the only question we have left is how exactly we're supposed to get the cupcake in there... Get the directions from Our Family of Seven.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Mom Endeavors
Patriotic Firecracker Cupcakes
Every Fourth of July, millions of Americans trek to a park, the beach, or a baseball game to watch a fireworks show. And sure, these presentations are always fun to attend, but the ridiculously large crowds, traffic jams as everyone exits the parking lot at the same time, and sweltering heat can put you in a bad mood. This year, why not relax beneath your air conditioning and enjoy a fantastic fireworks display that's not only kid-safe but totally edible? Get the directions from Mom Endeavors.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Lauren's Latest
Courtesy of Lauren's Latest Layered Red, White, & Blue Vanilla Cupcakes With Foolproof Cream Cheese Frosting
When in doubt, go with the classics. A sweet-yet-tangy cream cheese frosting is the icing on top — literally — of this moist red, white, and blue Fourth of July cupcake. Getting the perfect color swirl is tricky, but we wouldn't mind making a few batches until we find the perfect method (and we'd bet the grandkids wouldn't mind "testing" a few extra trays of these cupcakes). Get the directions from Lauren's Latest.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes Buttercream Blondie
Courtesy of Buttercream Blondie Fourth of July Red, White and Blueberry Cupcakes
Tangy raspberries, crunchy blueberries, and tangy cream cheese frosting combine to create a refreshing and not-too-sweet Fourth of July cupcake. If your Fourth of July party features subtle red, white, and blue decorations, these beautiful cupcakes are the perfect table accessory. Get the directions from Buttercream Blondie.
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Fourth Of July Cupcakes The Domestic Rebel
Courtesy of The Domestic Rebel Fourth of July Tie-Dye Cupcakes
The only thing more American than the Fourth of July is tie-dye — so why not combine the two? Fireworks are sure to send your dogs into a tizzy, so save them the stress with this edible, at-home display. Get the directions from The Domestic Rebel.