Imagine biting into a cupcake that's not just a dessert, but a nostalgic journey back to childhood! These Raggedy Ann Party Cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat – they're a colorful celebration of imagination, creativity, and pure joy. Perfect for birthday parties, themed events, or when you simply want to bring a touch of vintage charm to your baking, these vibrant cupcakes will transport you to a world of playful memories and delightful flavors.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and blue food coloring
- Buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with decorative Raggedy Ann-themed cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, ensuring complete incorporation and a smooth mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Divide the batter into two separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, creating vibrant Raggedy Ann-inspired colors.
- Spoon the colored batters into the cupcake liners, creating swirled or layered color effects. Fill each liner about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare buttercream frosting and tint with additional red and blue food coloring to match the cupcake colors.
- Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread buttercream frosting in decorative Raggedy Ann-inspired designs.
- Optional: Decorate with edible Raggedy Ann character toppers or sprinkles for additional festive flair.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cupcakes tender and light.
- Color Technique: For the most vibrant swirls, use gel food coloring which provides more intense color without affecting batter consistency.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a perfect decorative finish.
- Piping Perfection: Use different piping tips to create unique Raggedy Ann-inspired frosting designs that will make your cupcakes stand out.
- Make Ahead: These cupcakes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container to save time on event day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
