Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes
These magical Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes are perfect for nighttime parties, Halloween gatherings, or any occasion that could use a little extra sparkle! Using tonic water and a special frosting trick, these cupcakes will literally glow under black light, making them a show-stopping treat. Plus, they taste as good as they look—fluffy, moist, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Glow-in-the-Dark Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup tonic water (contains quinine, which glows under black light)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of neon food coloring (optional for extra pop under black light)
Decoration:
- Edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles (to give a moonlit effect)
Instructions
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Bake: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Making the Glow-in-the-Dark Frosting:
- Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
- Add tonic water and vanilla: Slowly add tonic water and vanilla extract. Beat on high until fluffy.
- Add food coloring: Optional—add a few drops of neon food coloring for an extra glow under black light.
Decorating:
- Frost the cupcakes: Use a piping bag or spatula to frost cooled cupcakes.
- Add sparkle: Decorate with edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles for a moonlit effect.
Notes and Tips
- Black Light Effect: The quinine in tonic water is what makes the frosting glow under black light. Make sure you have a black light to see the full effect.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you find the tonic water flavor too strong, use a mix of tonic water and milk for the frosting.
- Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Servings
- Makes 12 cupcakes
Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 3g
Benefits
- Unique Presentation: These cupcakes are a great conversation starter and will wow your guests.
- Versatile Decoration: Customize the decorations for different themes or holidays.
- Fun Science Twist: The glowing effect is a fun way to learn about quinine and UV light!
Q&A
Q: Can I make the cupcakes in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day before and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost them on the day of the event.
Q: Do they really glow in the dark?
A: They glow under a black light due to the quinine in the tonic water. Make sure to have a UV black light for the best effect!
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: You can, but only tonic water-based frosting will glow under black light. If you prefer another flavor, you can use neon food coloring to make it pop under black light.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Q: What type of food coloring works best?
A: Neon gel food coloring gives the most vibrant glow under black light.
These Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes are sure to be the highlight of your next party. Enjoy baking and impressing your guests with this fun and tasty science experiment!