Fluffy Watermelon Cupcakes (Printer-Friendly Version)

Moist green cupcakes topped with pink watermelon frosting for a bright, flavorful dessert experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcake

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large egg whites
07 - 1/2 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
08 - 1/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - green gel food coloring, as needed

→ Frosting

11 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
12 - 3 cups powdered sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened watermelon Kool-Aid powder
14 - pink gel food coloring, as needed
15 - 1 tablespoon whole milk, as needed for consistency

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended to ensure a tender texture and prevent clumping.
02 - Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, scraping sides as needed.
03 - Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition, then blend in Greek yogurt, milk, and vanilla on low speed until just combined.
04 - Gradually mix in green gel food coloring until the batter reaches a vibrant watermelon rind shade, taking care not to over-color.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two portions, mixing gently on low speed to just combine, preserving fluffiness.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 16 to 19 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
07 - Beat room-temperature butter until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Blend in watermelon Kool-Aid powder and pink gel food coloring. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.
08 - Once cooled, frost cupcakes generously using a piping bag or spatula. Optionally, garnish with mini chocolate chips to resemble watermelon seeds.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and optimal rise.
02 - Check cupcakes at minimum baking time to prevent dryness.
03 - Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.