Watermelon Cupcakes

Name: Watermelon Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large egg whites; ½ cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; Leaf green food coloring; 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (for frosting); Powdered sugar; Watermelon Kool-Aid mix; Mini chocolate chips

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

July 3, 2025

Updated:

July 3, 2025

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Make these fun summer watermelon cupcakes! Bright green cupcakes topped with a delicious buttercream frosting that tastes just like watermelon is perfect for any summer gathering. These cupcakes not only look delightful but are also a hit at kids’ birthday parties, picnics, and family barbecues. With the added charm of mini chocolate chips resembling watermelon seeds, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor: The combination of watermelon frosting and green cupcakes offers a refreshing twist on classic desserts.
Fun Presentation: These cupcakes are visually appealing, making them a great centerpiece for summer festivities.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these treats in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the frosting colors or add different toppings to suit your theme or personal taste.
Perfect for Kids: Kids will love the playful design and flavor, making them ideal for birthday parties or playdates.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help the process go smoothly and ensure you create the best watermelon cupcakes possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cupcake pan
Cupcake liners
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool makes it easy to blend your buttercream frosting until it’s light and fluffy.
Cupcake pan: A must-have for baking uniform cupcakes that rise perfectly in shape.
Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading frosting evenly on each cupcake.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing until just combined.
3. Add leaf green food coloring until desired color is achieved.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare Watermelon Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix.
3. Incorporate watermelon Kool-Aid mix and red gel food coloring until you achieve a pinkish hue reminiscent of watermelon flesh.

Step 5: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to frost each cupcake generously with the watermelon buttercream. Top with mini chocolate chips as “seeds.”

Enjoy your delicious watermelon cupcakes at your next summer gathering!

How to Serve Watermelon Cupcakes

These delightful watermelon cupcakes are perfect for summer gatherings and parties. They not only look great but also taste amazing. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

For a Fun Summer Party

Colorful Platter: Arrange the cupcakes on a bright, colorful platter to showcase their vibrant colors.
Themed Decorations: Use watermelon-themed decorations, like napkins and plates, to tie everything together.

With Refreshing Beverages

Lemonade: Pair the cupcakes with a chilled glass of lemonade for a refreshing treat.
Iced Tea: Offer sweetened iced tea alongside your cupcakes for a classic summer combo.

For Kid-Friendly Events

Ice Cream Scoops: Add a scoop of watermelon-flavored ice cream on the side for an extra special touch.
Cupcake Toppers: Use fun cupcake toppers featuring summer themes like sun and beach icons to attract children.

How to Perfect Watermelon Cupcakes

Making watermelon cupcakes can be simple, but there are ways to enhance their flavor and appearance. Follow these tips for the best results.

Bold Color Choices: Use enough leaf green food coloring to achieve that vibrant watermelon look.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and butter for better texture and taste.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing; it helps create a fluffy batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and airy.
Cooling Time: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon cupcakes can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their summery vibe. Here are some great options you can consider.

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Veggie Platter: Crisp veggies with hummus provide a healthy crunch alongside the sweet treats.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches filled with deli meats or veggies make for a satisfying bite next to your dessert.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with vegetables is refreshing and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Chips & Dip: Serve chips with guacamole or salsa for a casual snack option that pairs well with sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making watermelon cupcakes can be fun and rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven batter. Always bring your butter and eggs to room temperature for better mixing.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cupcakes dense. Mix just until combined for fluffy textures.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause cupcakes to rise unevenly. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Ignoring Food Coloring Instructions: Adding too much food coloring can alter the taste. Start with small amounts and gradually increase until you achieve the desired color.
Underbaking or Overbaking: This can dry out your cupcakes or leave them raw in the center. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time using a toothpick.

Refrigerator Storage

Watermelon cupcakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
If topped with frosting, store them upright to prevent smudging.

Freezing Watermelon Cupcakes

You can freeze these cupcakes for up to 3 months.
Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Frosting should be frozen separately; apply it after thawing.

Reheating Watermelon Cupcakes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Place a cupcake on a plate covered with foil over low heat, warming it gently for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Watermelon Cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, these cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.

How do I make watermelon-flavored frosting?

To create watermelon-flavored frosting, mix powdered sugar with unsalted butter, then add powdered watermelon Kool-Aid mix and red gel food coloring.

Are there any substitutes for the sour cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

What is the best way to decorate Watermelon Cupcakes?

Use mini chocolate chips as seeds and green frosting to mimic the rind. Get creative with patterns!

How long do Watermelon Cupcakes last?

Stored properly, these cupcakes will last up to four days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Watermelon cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also offer a delightful flavor that screams summer! Their bright colors and fun design make them perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize these treats with different frosting flavors or decorations to suit your taste. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

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Watermelon Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe