What is this picture? You’re sitting on the beach, the sun’s warm on your skin, and you’ve got the perfect little treat to enjoy. Complete the moment. What do these beach cupcakes bring to mind? They’re bright, cheerful, and taste like a mini-vacation. They’re way easier to make than, say, a complicated layered cake, and honestly, just as satisfying. Think of them as the cupcake equivalent of a perfect day at the beach – simple, sweet, and utterly delicious.
What is a beach cupcake?
A Beach Cupcake is, at its heart, a vanilla cupcake dressed up for fun in the sun! Is it a vanilla cupcake with blue frosting? And then, we add that special “beach” touch with graham cracker crumbs as sand, edible shells, and a few other ingredients. Is there a shark swimming in the water? Think of it as an edible diorama of a beach scene! What are some of the best cupcakes to make with kids? The name just stuck, because every time I make them, it feels like a little escape, even if I’m just waking up from sleep. What is stuck in my kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best beach cupcake recipes? First off, the flavor is just amazing. What’s not to like about vanilla cupcakes? I like the crunch of the graham cracker sand. “The edible decorations just add to the fun and flavor. What are some of the easiest cupcakes to make? If you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this! I’ve even had my niece and nephew help, and they were able to make perfect little beach scenes. Is it cost effective to do so? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank to make these. What are some of the What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Can you customize it to your heart’s content? Use different colored sprinkles, add different candies, or even try different flavored extracts in a recipe. I recommend you try Key Lime cupcakes.
How do you make a beach cupcake?
Quick Overview
How do I make cupcakes? What’s your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe? Graham cracker crumbs, edible shells, and any other beachy treats you can find. What is the beauty of this recipe? How do I make my beach scene unique?
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cupcakes: What are the ingredients
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. I always use unbleached for the best flavor. * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking will ruin your rise. * 1/4 teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened. What is real butter and why is it so good? You can use caster sugar too, for an even finer crumb. * 2 large eggs. Let them come to room temperature for smoother batter. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I use pure vanilla extract, not imitation stuff. It’s worth the splurge! Is it safe to use whole milk instead of 2%?
For the Blue Buttercream Frosting: For this recipe:
* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened. Again, real butter is key! * 3-4 cups powdered sugar. Start with 3 and add more until you reach your desired consistency. * 1/4 cup milk or cream Use heavy cream for an extra-rich frosting. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I sometimes add a touch of almond extract too, for extra flavor. * Blue food coloring. What is the best gel food coloring for frosting?
For the Beach Decorations:
* 1 cup graham cracker crumbs. Is it safe to buy graham crackers pre-made? * Edible seashells. You can find these at most cake decorating supply stores or online. Why don’t people love gummy sharks? For extra sparkle!
How do I follow simple
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Why do cupcakes get stuck in the pan? I always give my liners a quick spritz with cooking spray, just to be extra safe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to whisk baking powder and salt together? How do I make cupcakes?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. If your butter is melted, make sure it is softened! If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it is too melted, your cupcakes will be greasy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. Ending with dry ingredients. What should I do if I overmix? If you overmix the flour, it will make the cupcakes tough. I always scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Is there any filling in these cupcakes? If you really want to add a filling, you could try whipped cream or ice cream. I like vanilla.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
No swirling or layering required for these cupcakes! Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter. I use an ice cream scoop to get even portions – it’s so much easier and less messy!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. How long does it take to bake a cake? I usually start checking for doneness around 18 minutes. I don’t know what time it is. If the tops of cupcakes are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack to cool completely. Is it cool to While the cupcakes are cooling, make the blue buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Set aside. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until you reach your desired desired consistency. Stir in the blue food coloring and vanilla extract. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the blue buttercream. I like to use a piping bag and sprinkling the star tip. I have thrown it in my mouth. If you like frosting, you can use a knife to cut it.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What’s the fun part? What are some of the best ways to decorate cupcakes with graham cracker crumbs, edible seashells, and gummy sharks? To serve, arrange the cupcakes on a platter or cake stand. Can you chill them for a few minutes in the fridge?
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making beach cupcakes?
For Breakfast:What’s a good start to the day? What are some fun beach themed brunches?
For Brunch:Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like fruit salad, quiche, and mimosas. What are some of the best beach cupcakes to serve at brunch?
As Dessert:What are some of the best cupcakes to serve with a meal? Serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
For Cozy Snacks:What is a good snack for an afternoon tea? What are some great picnic bags to take with you? I love packing these for picnics, it just feels right!
My family tradition is to make these every summer for our annual beach trip. The kids absolutely love them, and they’re always a hit with the adults too!
How do I make a perfect beach cupcake recipe?
What are some tips for making beach cupcakes?
Zucchini Prep: N/A
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the cupcake batter. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
Swirl CustomizationHow do you create a swirl of frosting? How do you use different piping tips to create different designs? I love using a large star tip for swirls.
Ingredient Swaps:Can you use different flavored extracts in cupcake batter and frosting? Almond, lemon, and coconut extract are all great options. Can you substitute buttermilk for milk for a tangier flavor? Is almond milk good for you?
Baking Tips:Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the cupcakes. How do I raise a child equally? Don’t open the oven door too often while cupcakes are baking, as this can cause them to burn.
Glaze Variations:Instead of blue buttercream frosting, you could use white chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting. Can you add a few different toppings to your cupcakes? I always use gel food coloring for the frosting, because liquid food can thin it out and ruin it. I just use it for frosting. Is consistency messed up?
I learned the hard way that it’s best to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them. If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off! I also always make sure to use room temperature butter for the frosting. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream, and if it’s too melted, the frosting will be greasy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store these Beach Cupcakes to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store these cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: You can store these cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. The frosting may harden in the fridge, so let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze these cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before serving. The frosting may change slightly in texture after freezing, but they’ll still taste great!
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cupcakes, it’s best to wait to frost them until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the frosting from cracking or becoming discolored.
I’ve found that the best way to keep the cupcakes fresh is to store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cupcakes from drying out. Trust me on this one, it works like a charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Beach Cupcakes recipe! I truly believe these cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a birthday, or just craving a little bit of sunshine. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely delicious. If you enjoy these Beach Cupcakes, you might also like my other cupcake recipes, like my classic Vanilla Cupcakes or my decadent Chocolate Cupcakes. Happy baking! And please, please share your creations with me in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your variations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too if you try it out. And Happy Baking!
Beach Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
