Red White and Blue 4th of July Cupcakes

How to make easy 4th of July Cupcakes in red, white and blue with a box of cake mix.

It is very easy to make patriotic cupcakes for the fourth of July with a box mix.

I have used homemade buttercream frosting also colored red, white and blue but you could also use a can of frosting to decorate them.

This recipe was originally published on July 2, 2013 but has been updated June 28, 2021 with new photos and info.

Supplies needed

You will need a few supplies besides a box of cake mix to make red, white and blue 4th of July cupcakes. Some are optional. These are affiliate links.

• red soft gel paste food coloring
• royal blue or navy blue food coloring
• white cup cake liners
• 12 inch disposable piping bags 
• a large closed star decorating tip 

Ingredients needed to make the cupcakes

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts.

• white cake mix
• egg whites
• oil
• water
• red gel food coloring
• blue gel food coloring

Directions to mix the cupcake batter

Step 1: Combine the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer until just moistened.

Step 2: Next, beat the cake batter for only one minute with a handheld mixer. (see notes)

Directions to color the cupcake batter

Step 1: Divide the cake batter into three equal amounts.

Step 2: Transfer ⅓ of the batter to a 12 inch piping bag or leave in the bowl uncolored if you don't have piping bags.

Step 3: Add 3 to 5 drops of red gel food coloring to one bowl. Add 3 to 5 drops of blue gel food coloring to the other bowl.

Step 4: Use a spoon to mix the food coloring into the cake batter. Mix until there are no longer any streaks of food coloring visible.

Step 5: Transfer the red and blue cake batter to piping bags.

Step 6: Starting with the blue colored cake batter squeeze a small amount into each cupcake liner equally dividing the batter between the cupcake liners.

Step 7: Repeat with the white and red cake batter.

Step 8: Bake the cupcakes following the instructions on the box.

Step 9: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and cool for five minutes in the pan then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

I like making multi colored homemade buttercream frosting for these cupcakes.

You can use 2 cans of vanilla or cream cheese frosting instead.

4th of July Cupcake decorating ideas

• easy cupcake decorating: decorate the cupcakes with store bought white frosting and patriotic colored sprinkles.
• homemade frosting: make homemade buttercream frosting in red, white and blue to decorate the cupcakes.

Recipe FAQS

Recipe Expert Tips

• beating the cake batter: over beating the cupcake batter with cause air bubbles to form as the cupcakes bake. Only beat the cake batter for one minute with the handheld mixer. Mixing the food coloring in with a spoon will completely mix the batter.
• coloring the cake batter: as you mix in the food coloring you will mix the batter enough to make up for the one minute you did not beat the cake batter with the beater.
• using piping bags: Using piping bags makes it much easier and less messier to fill the cupcake liners. If you don't have piping bags you can use a spoon or pour from the bowl carefully.
• preheating the oven: follow the directions on the box based on the type of cupcake pan you are using.
• when are cupcakes done: The cupcakes are done when the center springs back. Do not over bake or the cupcakes with turn a golden brown.

More 4th of July recipes you'll love

Check out some of my other red, white and blue recipes perfect for your 4th of July celebration.