Description

These Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes are a fun and whimsical treat perfect for parties and special occasions. Infused with tonic water, both the cupcakes and the frosting emit a subtle glow under UV light, creating a magical moonlit effect. Soft, moist vanilla cupcakes are topped with a fluffy glowing frosting tinted optionally with blue or purple food coloring to enhance the night sky vibe.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
1 tbsp tonic water (for the glow effect)

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp tonic water (for the glow effect)
Blue or purple food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with the milk, mixing just until combined. Finally, stir in the tonic water to add the glowing effect to the batter.
Bake the Cupcakes: Spoon the batter evenly into the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the tonic water to achieve the desired glowing consistency. Optionally, mix in blue or purple food coloring to enhance the visual glow effect under a blacklight.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, frost them generously with the glow-in-the-dark frosting. The tonic water in the frosting ensures that the cupcakes will glow softly when exposed to UV light.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these magical cupcakes under a blacklight to reveal their enchanting glow, making them perfect for nighttime parties or special celebrations.

Notes

Use tonic water that contains quinine for the glowing effect; regular sparkling water will not create the glow.
The glow effect is best seen under UV or blacklight, so serving under these lights enhances the visual impact.
Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
The food coloring in the frosting is optional but helps boost the nighttime theme.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.