Watermelon Cupcakes

Make these fun summer watermelon cupcakes! Bright green cupcakes topped with a delicious buttercream frosting that tastes just like watermelon will be the hit of any party. These treats are perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a cheerful afternoon snack. The addition of mini chocolate chips mimics watermelon seeds, adding a playful twist that kids and adults alike will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These cupcakes are visually appealing and perfect for summer gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttercream with watermelon Kool-Aid provides a unique taste that’s refreshing and delightful.
• Versatile Design: You can customize the decorations to fit any occasion, making them suitable for various summer celebrations.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy both helping make and eating these vibrant cupcakes!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cupcake liners
• Muffin tin
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth batter and fluffy buttercream frosting quickly.
• Muffin tin: Perfectly shapes your cupcakes for even baking and easy removal.
• Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• ½ cup (114g) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (59ml) milk (I used skim)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup (150g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• leaf green food coloring by Wilton (or similar light green food coloring)

For the Watermelon Buttercream Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups (339g) unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
• 3-4 cups (339-454g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp powdered watermelon Kool-Aid mix
• small amount of red gel food coloring (to give the buttercream a pinkish color)
• mini chocolate chips

How to Make Watermelon Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This makes it easier to remove the cupcakes after baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg whites, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Add Color

Add leaf green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of green. Mix gently to incorporate.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make Watermelon Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in watermelon Kool-Aid powder and red gel food coloring for that perfect pink hue.

Step 9: Frost Your Cupcakes

Using a spatula or piping bag, generously frost each cupcake with your watermelon buttercream. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top as “seeds.”

Now you have delicious watermelon cupcakes ready to impress at any summer gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for summer gatherings. These colorful and flavorful cupcakes can be served in various fun ways that enhance their appeal.

For Kids’ Parties

• Fun Decorations: Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make the cupcakes visually appealing for children.
• Themed Tableware: Serve the cupcakes on plates or cups that match a watermelon theme to create a festive atmosphere.

At Summer Barbecues

• Cupcake Stand: Display the watermelon cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand for an eye-catching presentation.
• Watermelon Slice Plates: Serve each cupcake on plates shaped like watermelon slices to keep the theme consistent.

For Dessert Buffets

• Mini Cupcake Liners: Use mini cupcake liners in bright colors to add variety and charm to your dessert table.
• Labeling Options: Include small labels next to each cupcake that describe their flavor or ingredients, adding an interactive element.

How to Perfect Watermelon Cupcakes

To ensure your watermelon cupcakes turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold butter temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, which leads to a light and fluffy texture.
• Bold mix thoroughly: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Bold use food coloring wisely: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the desired green shade without overpowering the flavor.
• Bold measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients, especially flour and sugar, for consistent results.
• Bold cool before frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them; this prevents melting and sliding off.
• Bold store correctly: Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Cupcakes

Pair your watermelon cupcakes with light and refreshing side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes add savory flavors that pair well with dessert.
3. Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like carrots and cucumbers served with hummus provide a crunchy contrast.
4. Cheese Plate: Assorted cheeses with crackers offer a savory option amidst sweet treats.
5. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with fresh vegetables makes for a filling yet refreshing side dish.
6. Lemonade Slushies: Cool down with homemade lemonade slushies that are both refreshing and delicious alongside cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making watermelon cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your fun.

• Using the wrong food coloring: Always choose a light green food coloring for the cupcake batter. Using darker shades can make your cupcakes look less appealing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Don’t frost warm cupcakes. Let them cool completely to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better rise during baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accurate quantities to achieve the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Watermelon cupcakes can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Watermelon Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors for the frosting?

Yes, you can customize your frosting! While watermelon flavor is fun, consider using other fruit flavors or extracts for variety.

How do I make my Watermelon Cupcakes more vibrant?

To enhance color, add a bit more leaf green food coloring or experiment with gel colors for brighter results without altering taste.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and store them in the fridge or freeze them as mentioned earlier. Frost them just before serving.

What are some decoration ideas for Watermelon Cupcakes?

Consider using mini chocolate chips as seeds and fresh fruit slices on top. Edible glitter adds sparkle if you’re feeling extra festive!

Final Thoughts

These watermelon cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor that captures the essence of summer. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a fun baking day at home. Feel free to customize toppings and flavors to suit your taste, making this recipe versatile and enjoyable for everyone!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Watermelon Cupcakes

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Make summer unforgettable with these vibrant watermelon cupcakes! Bursting with a refreshing flavor, these bright green treats are topped with fluffy buttercream frosting that captures the essence of juicy watermelon. Perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or just a cheerful afternoon snack, these cupcakes feature playful mini chocolate chips that resemble watermelon seeds, making them a hit among kids and adults alike. Easy to make and visually stunning, they’ll bring joy to any gathering!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• ½ cup (114g) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (59ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup (150g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• leaf green food coloring by Wilton
• 1 1/2 cups (339g) unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
• 3–4 cups (339-454g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp powdered watermelon Kool-Aid mix
• small amount of red gel food coloring
• mini chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg whites, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Add leaf green food coloring until desired shade is achieved. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
6. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and watermelon Kool-Aid mix along with red gel food coloring for color.
7. Frost cooled cupcakes generously and top with mini chocolate chips as 'seeds.'

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg