A vibrant twist on a beloved classic, these blue velvet cupcakes are rich, moist, and visually stunning. Topped with elegant swirls of ombré blue and white vanilla buttercream and adorned with pearl sprinkles, they make an unforgettable statement at parties, birthdays, and themed celebrations. With their tender crumb and smooth frosting, these cupcakes are as delightful to eat as they are to admire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Blue velvet cupcakes offer a striking presentation while maintaining the familiar texture and taste of classic velvet cake. The subtle cocoa flavor and buttermilk base create a soft, moist cupcake, perfectly complemented by creamy vanilla buttercream. The ombré frosting adds a sophisticated and playful aesthetic, and the edible pearls give a glamorous finish—making these cupcakes ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Blue gel food coloring
For the frosting:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Blue gel food coloring (optional, for ombré effect)
- White pearl sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and desired amount of blue gel food coloring.
- Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and cream until light and fluffy.
- To create the ombré effect, divide the frosting and tint part of it with blue gel coloring. Add both white and blue frostings to a piping bag for a gradient swirl.
- Pipe onto cooled cupcakes using a large star tip and decorate with white pearl sprinkles. Chill until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per cupcake: Approximately 320 kcal
Variations
- Red Velvet Alternative: Swap blue gel coloring for red to create a traditional red velvet version.
- Flavored Buttercream: Add a touch of almond, lemon, or coconut extract to the frosting for a unique twist.
- Filled Cupcakes: Add a cream cheese or berry jam center for a surprise inside.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and egg replacers along with dairy-free butter alternatives.
- Themed Colors: Customize the food coloring to match holidays or party themes.
- Sprinkle Swap: Use gold stars, rainbow sprinkles, or edible glitter for a different decorative flair.
Storage/Reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream. These cupcakes can also be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost after defrosting.
FAQs
What flavor is blue velvet cake?
Blue velvet has a subtle cocoa flavor similar to red velvet, with a rich texture from buttermilk and butter.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without thinning the batter. Liquid color may affect texture and intensity.
What piping tip should I use for the frosting?
A large star tip, such as Wilton 1M or 2D, creates elegant swirls for the ombré effect.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, the cupcakes can be made a day in advance and stored covered. Frost before serving or store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator.
Why is cocoa powder included in velvet cakes?
Cocoa powder gives velvet cakes a subtle chocolate undertone and contributes to the traditional flavor profile.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream?
Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with velvet cakes for a tangy complement.
How do I achieve the ombré frosting look?
Divide the frosting and tint half with blue gel coloring. Place both frostings side by side in a piping bag to swirl together.
Do I need to chill the cupcakes before serving?
Chilling helps set the frosting and decorations, especially in warm climates, but it’s optional if serving immediately.
What’s the best way to color frosting evenly?
Add a small amount of gel food coloring and mix thoroughly. Adjust the intensity gradually to avoid over-coloring.
Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?
Yes, this batter can be used for a small cake. Adjust baking time and monitor for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Blue velvet cupcakes are a stunning and delicious dessert that brings both elegance and fun to the table. Their rich, moist texture, subtle chocolate flavor, and eye-catching appearance make them a perfect choice for festive events and themed celebrations. With a beautiful swirl of ombré frosting and a touch of sparkle, these cupcakes are sure to impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.
PrintBlue Velvet Cupcakes
These Blue Velvet Cupcakes are a stunning and delicious twist on a classic dessert. Moist, rich, and vibrant, they’re topped with ombré swirls of vanilla buttercream and finished with pearl sprinkles for the ultimate show-stopper. Perfect for parties, birthdays, and themed celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert, Party Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup buttermilk
-
Blue gel food coloring
For the frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Blue gel food coloring (optional, for ombré effect)
-
White pearl sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and desired amount of blue food coloring.
-
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
-
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
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To make the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, beating until light and fluffy.
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For ombré effect, divide frosting and tint portions with varying amounts of blue coloring. Pipe swirls using a large star tip.
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Top with white pearl sprinkles and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
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Use gel food coloring for vibrant blue without thinning the batter or frosting.
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For extra flair, frost with a two-tone piping bag to enhance the ombré swirl.
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Store cupcakes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.