Why are cupcakes called 1234?

The term “1234 cupcakes” comes from the original ratio used in old-fashioned recipes: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs. It’s a simple way to remember the base ingredients—though modern recipes, like our Red White and Blue Cupcakes , often adjust these amounts for better texture and flavor.

How to make a swirl in a cupcake?

To create a swirl effect, divide your batter into two bowls and color each one (like red and blue). Alternate scoops of each into the cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds of the way. Then, gently swirl the batters together using a toothpick or leave them layered for a bold stripe effect.

What are the Harry Potter cupcakes called?

There’s no official name, but fans often refer to “Butterbeer cupcakes” as the Harry Potter cupcake of choice. These usually feature caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch flavors—different from our Red White and Blue Cupcakes , but just as magical in their own way.

What is the secret to fluffy cupcakes?

The secret lies in properly creaming butter and sugar, using room-temperature ingredients, and gently folding in beaten egg whites. These steps add air to the batter, making the final cupcakes light, soft, and bakery-worthy—exactly what we aim for in our red, white, and blue batch.

Red White and Blue Cupcakes – Easy & Fluffy Recipe for Any Party

Name: Red White and Blue Cupcakes – Easy Patriotic Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces salted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ¼ cups milk; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 4 egg whites; Red and blue food coloring; 8 ounces salted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk; Sprinkles of your choice

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes:

10 ounces salted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

1 ¼ cups milk

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

4 egg whites

Red and blue food coloring

Frosting:

8 ounces salted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2–3 tablespoons milk

Sprinkles of your choice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a cupcake pan with liners.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.

3. Add milk and 2 cups flour alternately, mixing well. Add remaining flour and baking powder and beat thoroughly.

4. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.

5. Fold egg whites into the batter and beat until combined.

6. Divide batter into two bowls. Color one red and the other blue.

7. Spoon alternating red and blue dollops into cupcake liners, filling ⅔ full.

8. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

9. To make frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until crumbly.

10. Add vanilla and milk. Beat until creamy and smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

11. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

Cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Store in an airtight container.

Swap food coloring to fit any party theme—birthday, baby shower, or graduation.

Author: EmilyFrost
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg