4th of July Cupcakes

Happy Monday everyone! Many of you may be making plans to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend. Are you struggling to find a delicious and original recipe? I know that Pinterest is full of ideas but I find many of them are too complicated and tedious to make. So if you are looking for a quick and no fuss treat, these cupcakes in star-spangled colors are a life saver. These enticing delicacies are wonderful for sharing with family and friends. A guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Here's how to make these patriotic goodies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF/170ºC. 

Line cupcake pans with paper liners.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.  Add shortening, milk, and vanilla.  Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Add eggs to the mixture.  Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Beat on high speed for 1 minute 30 seconds until well mixed.

Spoon cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes in pans then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting recipe or decorate as you desire. On this particular occasion I've chosen blueberries and strawberries but any white, red and blue combination will do. 

Tip: If you want your cupcakes to look more original and fun you can dye the frosting red or blue with food coloring.

You can find more cupcake decoration ideas here, here and here.

How are you going to celebrate the 4th of July? Let me know on the comments below. You can share your own recipes if you wish too!

Cristina xo