Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes – Easy and Festive 4th of July Treats

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the icy red, white, and blue layers of a Bomb Pop popsicle on a hot summer day. As kids, we’d chase the ice cream truck down the street barefoot, giggling and sticky-fingered. Now, imagine capturing that same patriotic spirit in cupcake form — soft, buttery, and just as eye-catching. These Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes are bursting with color and fun, making them the perfect sweet treat for any Independence Day celebration. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a quiet picnic, Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes add a festive flair that’s sure to impress. And the best part? These Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes are so simple to bake, even beginners will look like pros.

They’re perfect for your Fourth of July party spread, whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or packing a picnic. Looking for more summer dessert inspiration? Discover even more creative 4th of July food ideas on this curated board and follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more festive dessert ideas.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3–4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 6 drops blue food coloring
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles

How to Make Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes

  1. Preheat & Prep:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with patriotic-themed cupcake liners.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry:
    Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined — don’t overdo it.
  6. Bake:
    Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool:
    Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the Frosting:
    Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add vanilla and cream until desired consistency is reached. Mix in blue food coloring for that Bomb Pop hue.
  9. Frost and Decorate:
    Pipe the frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes and top immediately with red, white, and blue sprinkles for maximum sprinkle adhesion.

Substitutions

  • Buttermilk: Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
  • Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
  • Vanilla Extract: Almond extract gives a lovely nutty undertone.
  • Flour: Gluten-free flour blend works well for dietary needs.
Overhead view of vanilla cupcakes with swirled blue frosting and red, white, and blue candy sprinkles on a rustic wooden surface.

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

  • Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk for a smooth batter.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender and fluffy.
  • Test doneness early to prevent overbaking.
  • Gel food coloring provides richer color without thinning the frosting.
  • Frost before the buttercream crusts to help sprinkles stick.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add a surprise center by filling each cupcake with raspberry or strawberry jam before baking.
  • Serve chilled with lemonade or a tall glass of iced tea.
  • Display on a tiered dessert stand for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Side view of Patriotic Bomb Pop cupcakes with red-tinted bases, blue frosting, and red and white sprinkles on a cake stand.

Stay Connected

  • Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more festive dessert ideas.
  • Explore more holiday baking inspiration on our Pinterest page.

Share the Sweetness!

Tried these Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes? We’d be thrilled to see your baking magic! Snap a pic and tag us @KaiRecipes on social media — you might just see your masterpiece featured in our stories.

And hey, don’t miss out! Join our newsletter to get more joyful kitchen inspiration and seasonal recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?

Too much liquid or overmixing the batter could be the culprit. Make sure to measure accurately and avoid peeking during baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them the day of serving.

How do I store them?

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Print
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Patriotic Bomb Pop cupcakes with swirled blue frosting, festive sprinkles, and mini American flags, styled on a white stand.

Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes – Easy and Festive 4th of July Treats


  • Author: Kai
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the icy red, white, and blue layers of a Bomb Pop popsicle on a hot summer day. As kids, we’d chase the ice cream truck down the street barefoot, giggling and sticky-fingered. Now, imagine capturing that same patriotic spirit in a soft, buttery cupcake topped with swirls of blue frosting and a burst of red, white, and blue sprinkles. These Patriotic Bomb Pop Cupcakes are exactly that — a dessert that’s both festive and incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 34 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 6 drops blue food coloring
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with patriotic-themed cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add vanilla and cream until desired consistency is reached. Mix in blue food coloring.
  9. Pipe the frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes and top immediately with red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter, avoid overmixing, test doneness early, and frost before the buttercream crusts to ensure the sprinkles stick.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: patriotic cupcakes, bomb pop, 4th of July, red white and blue, summer dessert

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