That sounds like a fun and magical treat! Here’s a full recipe for Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes, along with variations and tips to make them extra special.
Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (for extra fluffiness)
For the Glow-in-the-Dark Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons tonic water (this makes it glow under blacklight!)
- A few drops of neon food coloring (optional, for a brighter effect)
Construction:
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk and lemon juice.
- Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Glow-in-the-Dark Frosting:
- Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract and tonic water until smooth and fluffy.
- Add neon food coloring if desired.
- Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
- Make Them Glow:
- Place cupcakes under a blacklight, and the frosting will glow due to the quinine in the tonic water!
Variations:
- Galaxy Cupcakes: Swirl dark blue, purple, and black food coloring into the frosting for a cosmic effect.
- Lemon Glow: Add lemon zest and juice to the frosting for a citrusy flavor.
- Glowing Drizzle: Mix tonic water with a little powdered sugar for a glow-in-the-dark glaze.
- Moon & Stars: Decorate with edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles.
Tips:
- Use a strong blacklight for the best glowing effect.
- Chill frosting before piping for a firmer texture.
- For an extra glow, use tonic water in the cupcake batter too!
- If tonic water taste is too strong, mix it with a little milk before adding to the frosting.
Would you try these for a party or Halloween? They sound so fun!