Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

I love to make something to eat on the 4th of July that is a bit festive.  I have been thinking and thinking these last few weeks about what I should make.  I made a red, white, and blue drink one year.  I made a delicious trifle one year.  White chocolate dipped strawberries another year and I wanted to do something different this year. 

I started a new tradition with Hannelore recently.  Each Tuesday we make cupcakes together.  Last Tuesday the idea came to me.  We were going to make red, white, and blue cupcakes.  They turned out so cute and I loved making them with Hannelore.  

They are so very simple too.  So whip some up for the 4th of July.  Here in Utah we have Pioneer Day on the 24th of July.  I usually leave up my 4th of July decor through the 24th because of Pioneer Day.  So why not make these for both occasions!  

Supplies needed:

• Pillsbury Blue Raspberry Moist Supreme Premium Cake Mix 
• Eggs
• Oil
• Water
• Frosting supplies
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• Raspberries

Directions:

1. Make the cake mix as directed on the box.  Let cupcakes cool. 
2. While cupcakes are cooling follow the directions for the frosting (click on link).  I did not add the vanilla. 
3. Once cupcakes are completely cooled then pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.  I used an attachment like the one pictured below.  I thought doing bursts of frosting with this attachment made the "frosting bursts" look like fireworks.  
   
   
4. Top each cupcake with a raspberry.  

It is as simple as that.  Kids can help you too.  Hannelore helped me mix the cake mix.  She also helped me scoop the mix into the muffin tins.  She helped me beat the frosting, but I made sure to do the the piping myself.  That could have turned into a mess if I let her do it.  However, she helped me place the raspberries on the cupcakes.  

So have fun with your kids and bring a festive snack to your 4th of July picnic, BBQ, or any other gathering.