These 4th of July cupcakes are pretty, patriotic, and perfectly delicious.
They’re also fluffy, fun, and festive. (I could do this all day!)
Seriously, though, despite my alliterative adjectives, these cupcake recipes are fantastic.
They’re colorful, light, delectable, and simple to make. Even novice chefs can whip them up with ease.
Some stick to the red, white, and blue Independence Day theme. Others are just light, fruity, or otherwise perfect for summer.
In short, whatever your sweet tooth is craving, you’ll find a recipe here to help.
So let’s check out these 4th of July cupcakes and see which ones you like best.
1. Easy 4th Of July Cupcakes
Let’s start with these super festive, multi-colored cupcakes. I like them because they’re quick and easy and look fantastic to boot.
Their wild red, white, and blue icing is elegant and fancy.
Truthfully, though, they take very little work. You can have a whole batch ready in about half an hour.
2. Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes
Do you love red velvet cake? If so, these red cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are perfect for you.
They taste just like red velvet cake, but they come in smaller, easier-to-eat packages.
Pop a few blueberries on top for a red, white, and blue treat that you just can’t beat.
3. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cupcakes
These aren’t red, white, and blue. However, they are totally over the top and indulgent, so people will love them regardless.
Combining two American favorites – chocolate and peanut butter – they’re a little high in calories but worth every bite!
After all, it’s Independence Day! If you can’t splurge on the 4th, when can you?
4. Mary Berry’s Lemon Cupcakes
Is there anything more summery than the bright flavor of lemon? Luckily, these sweet treats have it in spades.
The cake is lemony, and so is the buttercream frosting. So, there’s a zesty kick of citrus in every bite.
Plus, you’ll appreciate their lovely yellow color and soft, buttery texture.
Make them for the 4th of July or just a lazy Saturday. They won’t go to waste either way.
5. American Flag Cupcake
Sometimes, making something festive isn’t about decorating the cupcake. Instead, it’s about making sure lots of cupcakes look good together!
You’ll need plenty of red, white, and blue cupcakes for this cupcake cake. Arrange them to look like a flag, and you’re all set.
And guess what? You can even use boxed cupcake mix or store-bought cupcakes!
(I recommend using the recipe for homemade buttercream, though. It’s divine.)
6. Neapolitan Cupcakes
Neapolitan ice cream is a summer staple. That’s why these Neapolitan cupcakes are so popular in the summer months.
You’ll start with half-chocolate, half-vanilla cupcake bases. Then, you’ll top them with rich strawberry frosting.
And it’s not just any strawberry frosting. It’s strawberry frosting made with real strawberry jam!
Every bite of these cupcakes is pure Neapolitan bliss. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
7. Raspberry-Filled 4th of July Cupcakes
Here’s another exceptional recipe for red velvet cupcakes. Even better, these have a little extra oomph.
You’ll fill each one with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling that’s out of this world.
Of course, you’ll keep the cream cheese filling and red velvet cake mix. But that surprise of sweet-tart fruit will keep you coming back for more.
8. Chocolate Cupcakes with Rainbow Buttercream Frosting
These cupcakes are just plain fun. And all those bright colors are perfect for summer.
I like them because they aren’t too rich – even with the dreamy chocolate cake!
The warm, fluffy cupcakes are sweet and chocolatey. But that intense flavor is toned down with regular frosting instead of buttercream.
Overall, the combo makes for a light, not-too-sugary cupcake that everyone will enjoy.
9. Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Perhaps you prefer your sweets with a bit of tartness to them? In that case, you’ll adore these strawberry lemonade cupcakes.
The cake part is soft and spongy, while the frosting is tart, tangy, and so very tasty.
Add fresh strawberries, a lemon rind, and a few other things for decoration, and they’re sure to be a hit.
10. S’mores Cupcakes
When you think of summer foods, I bet s’mores come to mind. That’s why these s’mores cupcakes are so perfect for any holiday party.
The recipe is pretty lengthy, but it’s easy to follow. And the resulting cupcakes are well worth the effort.
They’re fun, gorgeous, and incredibly decadent.
You can even top them with roasted marshmallows and Graham Cracker crumbs! What’s not to love about that?
And if you’re pressed for time, don’t worry: you can pre-make everything but the toppings to save yourself some time.
11. Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes
Why choose between ice cream and cupcakes when you can have both?
Okay, okay, these aren’t actual cupcakes. But they look like cupcakes!
More importantly, they’re phenomenal.
You’ll start with rich chocolate sandwich cookies. Then, you’ll cover them in ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, and more.
They’re hella messy, but no one will mind. Just be sure to save them for outdoor 4th of July events.
12. 4th of July Firecracker Cupcakes
Is it illegal to shoot fireworks where you live? Unfortunately, that’s the case for many of us.
But that doesn’t mean you have to go without firecrackers!
Sure, these cupcakes may not be as fun, but they’re absolutely bursting with flavor.
They look fantastic, too. Trust me, the kiddos will love them.
13. Red, White, and Blue Swirl Cupcakes
Other than this 4th of July trifle, I think this is my favorite red, white, and blue dessert.
They’re light, fluffy, and wonderfully sweet. Plus, your friends and family will love all the festive colors.
Top tip: Swap out the food colors for different holidays and make these year-round.
Try orange and black for Halloween or pink, red, and white for Valentine’s Day. Purple, green, and yellow work for Mardi Gras, too!
14. Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Honestly, they should just call these Death by Chocolate cupcakes.
They’re so moist, so rich, and so unashamedly decadent. I’d go so far as to call them sinful.
There’s an insane amount of chocolate in every bite. And the gorgeous chocolate curls just set them over the top.
If you’re a chocoholic, you won’t be able to resist these yummy treats.
15. 4th of July Funfetti Cupcakes
Funfetti sprinkles are an easy way to make anything look festive.
These tasty, homemade vanilla cupcakes are delightful just as they are. They don’t really need anything extra to help people enjoy them.
That said, they aren’t Independence Day themed when they’re plain. That’s where the red, white, and blue funfetti sprinkles come into play.
You still get all of the warm comfort of homemade cupcakes. Only these have a little extra pizzaz.
16. Bomb Pop Patriotic Cupcakes
Do you remember those red, white, and blue popsicles we all enjoyed as kids? They’re the inspiration behind these insanely fun and colorful cupcakes.
The flavor is simple (but delicious) vanilla, and you’ll just need food coloring to do all the rest.
Add some patriotic sprinkles and call it a day.
The kids will love their crazy colors, and everyone will love the heartwarming vanilla flavor.
17. Key Lime Cupcakes
Go to any BBQ or summer gathering, and you see a few staples – mainly vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet.
But if you want something a little different, you have to try these insanely delicious key lime cupcakes.
Light, zesty, and not too sweet, key lime cupcakes are as summery as it gets.
Basically, these taste just like key lime pie. However, they’re fluffier and more ‘single serve-friendly.’
Give them a try, and you won’t be disappointed.
18. Lemon Lavender Cupcakes
These adorable cupcakes look fantastic when frosted like in the picture above. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should frost them, though.
Believe it or not, these taste so incredible that they don’t need any frosting. They’re light and soft and have a wonderful tart, slightly floral flavor.
Their taste is very mild, but in my experience, most people adore them.
19. Fluffy Mojito Cupcakes
I love mojitos, especially in the summer. There’s just no other drink out there like them.
They’re crisp, refreshing, and full of minty lime flavor. So you can imagine my surprise when these cupcakes tasted almost exactly like a mojito!
They’re soft, moist, and 110% mojito-flavored. If you appreciate the cocktail, you’ll enjoy these, too.
20. Blackberry Limeade Cupcakes
Here’s another sweetly tart treat that the whole family will love.
The cake features the bright, zingy flavor of limeade. Meanwhile, the icing is a rich, sweet ‘n tangy blackberry buttercream.
Together, they make an unforgettable combination of flavors that looks fantastic.
You may even want to save that blackberry buttercream recipe for later. It tastes terrific on anything sweet, including chocolate cake!
21. Churro Cupcakes
These indulgent cupcakes are soft and moist with a slightly crunchy sugared topping.
They’re jam-packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for good measure.
Add a piece of churro to the top and drizzle some caramel sauce over them. They taste so good that you’ll be licking your fingers to get the last crumbs.
If churros top your list of favorite desserts, these cupcakes won’t be far behind.
22. Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
We call these cupcakes, and I guess they are in some ways. However, to me, they’re more like cheesecake bites.
Regardless, any fan of strawberry cheesecake will love them. They’re fruity, tangy, and even have the traditional Graham Cracker crust.
You might as well double the recipe because these are downright addictive.
23. Gluten-Free Mini Patriotic Cupcakes
These red, white, and blue cupcakes are tiny, gluten-free, and perfectly sized to be a tasty mouthful.
Plus, they’re soft and will practically melt on your tongue.
Anyone can appreciate these, whether they have a gluten allergy or not.
24. Coconut Cupcakes
The sweet, tropical flavor of coconut is always a summertime hit. And you get a double dose of it in these pillowy soft cupcakes.
You’ll infuse the cakes with coconut milk and flakes. Then, you’ll top each one with supremely scrumptious coconut buttercream.
Finish them off with extra coconut flakes for a total coconut extravaganza.
Try adding a fruity filling if you want to make these a little more extravagant. Mango or pineapple jam works wonders!
25. Peaches Melba Cupcakes
Summertime means peaches are in season. And what better way to enjoy them than in a delicious peach melba cupcake?
I love anything that combines peaches and cream. Throw in a bit of vanilla and some tangy raspberries, and you’ll be in juicy peach heaven.
The recipe is easy to follow and results in a moist, fluffy cupcake with a sweet, tangy topping.
So why not give these a try for your next July 4th BBQ? They’re sure to please!
26. Piñata Cupcakes
Piñatas aren’t traditionally used on Independence Day, but they are festive and fun.
But if you don’t want to hand bats to kids, try these piñata cupcakes instead. They’re light, sweet, and tasty, and each one has a hidden surprise.
Imagine your guests’ amazement when they bite into this tasty treat to find a wealth of sugary riches.
I know I’d be excited, and I’m sure they will be, too.
27. Fireworks Surprise Cupcakes
These cupcakes are like the piñata ones above. However, the red, white, and blue sprinkles make them more suited to the 4th.
Whichever one you choose, people will love them.
28. Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila Glaze & Lime Frosting
If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m a margarita gal through and through. So you also know that I’ve made these a few (hundred) times!
I’m happy to report that these gorgeous cupcakes are the perfect sweet and boozy treat for your next party!
You’ll top the moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a tart and delicious lime frosting. Then, you’ll drizzle them with a sweet and sticky tequila glaze.
They’re sweet, tangy, and salty, and they look as good as they taste. Just remember to keep these away from the kids!
29. Apple Pie Cupcakes (Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cupcakes)
What’s more American than apple pie?! Not a lot, which is why these apple pie cupcakes are an Independence Day favorite.
They’re beautiful and full of apple, cinnamon, and caramel flavors.
Each one looks like a miniature apple pie by itself. That way, everyone gets their own.
Plus, these babies are way easier to eat!
30. Twizzler Firecracker Cupcakes
Who knew Twizzlers could look so much like fireworks?! These cutesy cupcakes will be a hit with everyone who sees them.
They have a sweet and fruity cherry vanilla flavor. However, their unique appearance makes them perfect for the 4th of July.
They take a little longer to prep than some of the other options. But it’ll be worth it when the compliments come rolling in.
Great recipes that you share. I print most of them so I can try them out.
Thank you so much!
Awesome, Joni! Are you making one of the cupcakes from this list for the Fourth this year? I’m debating it myself! But I may go a more savory route.