Here’s a fun recipe for Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes that uses edible ingredients that glow under UV light! These cupcakes have a unique, glowing effect thanks to the use of tonic water, which contains quinine—a substance that fluoresces under UV light.
Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup tonic water (the glow-in-the-dark effect comes from quinine in tonic water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: A few drops of black or dark blue food coloring to enhance the “moonlit” effect
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp tonic water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp black food coloring (or dark purple/blue) for a moonlit look (optional)
- A pinch of edible glitter (optional, for a magical touch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- 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. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the tonic water. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until combined (be careful not to overmix).
- If you want a dark “moonlit” look, add a few drops of food coloring to the batter and mix well.
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add the tonic water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- If you’d like a dark frosting, add a bit of black or dark purple food coloring and mix well.
- For a sparkling touch, sprinkle in some edible glitter and mix gently.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost them with the tonic water-infused buttercream frosting.
- Add any additional decorations you like, such as sprinkles or edible glitter, for that extra magical touch.
- Glow Effect:
- When the cupcakes are ready, turn off the lights and shine a UV light (blacklight) on them to see the glowing effect. The tonic water in both the cupcakes and the frosting will cause them to glow.
Enjoy!
Serve these Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes at a nighttime party or Halloween celebration for a fun and interactive treat!
Tip: The glow effect will be most noticeable under UV light (blacklight), so be sure to have a UV light source on hand to see the glow!