Ideal to decorate with your children and so scrumptious too! This 4th of July cupcake recipe from our Irish chef will have your family and guests grinning.

Whether you're hosting a big barbecue for the 4th of July, or you're just looking for a super sweet summer snack, these red white, and blue cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to your face!

4th of July red, white, and blue chocolate cupcakes recipe

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Vanilla buttercream frosting:

  • 5 tbsp butter or margarine
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh blueberries and strawberries

Method:

Cupcakes:

  • Heat oven to 350 F.
  • Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.
  • In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat at a medium speed in an electric mixer for two minutes.
  • Stir in boiling water (batter will be very thin).
  • Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.
  • Frost cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting.
  • Garnish with blueberries and strawberries.

Vanilla buttercream frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
  • Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until frosting is of spreading consistency.
  • Makes about 2 cups of frosting.

Happy Holiday!

*Originally published in 2013. Updated in July 2025.