These Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat that are sure to impress at any party or event, especially when served under a blacklight. The secret to their glowing effect is tonic water, which contains quinine that reacts to UV light, making these cupcakes literally light up in the dark! Vibrant neon food coloring gives them an otherworldly appearance, while the creamy, flavorful frosting adds a delicious touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a cool and unique dessert, these cupcakes are bound to be a showstopper.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cupcake batter, providing structure.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the cupcake and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to their soft texture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the batter.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cupcakes.
- ½ cup tonic water (for the glow effect): The quinine in tonic water makes the cupcakes glow under UV light.
- ½ cup milk: Helps make the batter smooth and creates a moist cupcake.
For the Glow-in-the-Dark Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base for the frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and thickness to the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
- ¼ cup tonic water (for glow): Provides the glowing effect when exposed to UV light.
- Neon food coloring (green, pink, or blue for vibrant layers): Creates a colorful, eye-catching appearance for the frosting.
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Make the Cupcakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the tonic water/milk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Color: Divide the batter into separate bowls and add neon food coloring to each, creating vibrant layers of glowing batter.
- Layer the Batter: Spoon the colored batter into the cupcake liners, layering different colors for a cool effect. This creates a visually stunning effect when the cupcakes are cut into later.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well to combine. Pour in the vanilla extract and tonic water, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Color the Frosting: Add neon food coloring to the frosting to give it the glowing effect. Mix until evenly colored and smooth.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in a decorative swirl.
How It Glows: Tonic water contains quinine, which glows under a blacklight. For the best glow effect, serve the cupcakes in a dimly lit room with a blacklight nearby. The quinine in the tonic water reacts with the UV light, making the cupcakes shine in the dark.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per cupcake
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Tips:
- For an extra glow, mix edible glow dust into the frosting for an even brighter effect.
- Use white cupcake liners to ensure the glow shines through more visibly.
- If you want to make the cupcakes glow more intensely, increase the amount of tonic water slightly, but be careful not to make the batter too runny.
