Beach Ball Cupcakes – Colorful, Fun, and Perfect for Summer Parties
You know those desserts that just scream summer? These Beach Ball Cupcakes totally fit the bill.
With fluffy vanilla or lemon cupcakes as the base, they’re topped with bright frosting in beach ball-inspired stripes and a little white candy “button” in the center to mimic the classic look.
I prefer using gel food colors to get those bold, clean lines—and piping bags make it easier than you’d think.
Whether for a beach party, birthday bash, or poolside gathering, these cupcakes bring the vibes.
Prep & Bake Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 18 mins | 38 mins | 12 | Dessert | American |
Ingredients for 12 & 6 Cupcakes
| Ingredient | 12 Cupcakes | 6 Cupcakes | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | 2/3 cup | Gluten-free blend |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | 1/3 cup | Coconut sugar |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Vegan butter |
| Eggs | 2 | 1 | Flax eggs |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 1 tsp | Lemon or almond extract |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Buttermilk or oat milk |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp | 3/4 tsp | Do not skip |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin + liners | Silicone cupcake molds |
| Mixing bowls | Any large bowls |
| Electric mixer | Whisk and muscle |
| Piping bags + tips | Ziplock bags with corners snipped |
| Food-safe brush or toothpick | Small spatula |
How to Make Beach Ball Cupcakes
Before we get into the step-by-step, make sure you’ve got your frosting colors prepped and piping bags ready—it’ll save you serious time.
Step 1: Make the Batter
Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add in 2 eggs one at a time, then beat in 2 tsp vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups flour with 1.5 tsp baking powder. Alternate adding the dry mix and 1/2 cup milk to the wet mix.
Step 2: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill lined muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let them cool fully on a wire rack.
Step 3: Decorate
Divide frosting into 4 bowls and dye them red, yellow, blue, and green.
Pipe sections around the cupcake to mimic beach ball panels, then place a small white candy or frosting dot in the center.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Serve on a platter with tiny drink umbrellas for a full beach theme.
- Add edible sand using crushed vanilla wafers around the base.
- Match napkins and plates to the frosting colors for added pop.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Coconut Beach Balls: Use lemon zest in batter and top with coconut flakes.
- Chocolate Beach Balls: Chocolate cupcakes with pastel stripes for contrast.
- Mini Beach Balls: Use mini muffin pans and serve as bite-sized treats at kids’ parties.
Storing Tips
- Store unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temp for 2 days.
- Decorated cupcakes should go in the fridge (airtight), good for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw before decorating.
Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Frosting too soft | Won’t hold color or shape | Chill before piping |
| Cupcakes collapse | Underbaked centers | Check with toothpick before removing |
| Colors mix together | Muddy appearance | Pipe slowly and clean tip often |
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes the day before?
Yes, store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
What’s the best frosting to use?
A stiff buttercream holds its shape and color best.
Do I need special piping tips?
Not at all! Even a zip-top bag with a cut corner works.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely—just doctor it up with vanilla or lemon zest.
Is edible glitter necessary?
Not at all, but it adds a fun sparkle if you’re feeling festive!
Let’s Bake and Celebrate!
These beach ball cupcakes are more than cute—they’re a vibe. I suggest giving them a try for your next summer party or even just for fun.
And hey, tag your creations or share in the comments—I’d love to know how they turned out!
