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Easy Ocean Wave Cupcakes with Seashells

Rose
These Easy Ocean Wave Cupcakes with Seashells are soft vanilla cupcakes topped with swirled blue-and-white buttercream frosting that mimics ocean waves. Decorated with edible pearls, candy seashells, and starfish, they’re a playful and eye-catching dessert perfect for beach parties, summer gatherings, and ocean-themed celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • cupcake tray
  • paper cupcake liners
  • mixing bowls
  • hand or stand mixer
  • whisk
  • piping bag with star tip
  • cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • blue food coloring
  • white food coloring (optional)
  • edible pearl sprinkles
  • chocolate or candy seashells
  • edible starfish decorations
  • white sprinkles for sand-like effect

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  • Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the buttercream becomes light and fluffy.
  • Divide the frosting into two bowls. Color one light blue and leave the other white to create the ocean wave effect.
  • Spoon both frosting colors into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  • Pipe swirled frosting onto each cupcake to resemble ocean waves.
  • Decorate the cupcakes with candy seashells, edible starfish, and pearl sprinkles.
  • Lightly sprinkle extra white pearls or sprinkles for a sparkling beach-inspired finish and serve.

Notes

For the best texture, use room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk before mixing the batter. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting so the buttercream holds its shape. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works well. Cupcakes can be baked one day ahead and stored unfrosted, then decorated just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
Keyword beach themed cupcakes, ocean cupcakes, seashell cupcakes, summer party cupcakes
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