Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes Recipe
These Glow-in-the-Dark Moonlit Cupcakes are a fun and unique twist on traditional cupcakes, perfect for parties or Halloween. The secret ingredient, tonic water, gives them a mesmerizing glow under black light that will amaze your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cupcakes:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup tonic water (for glow effect)
Frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup tonic water (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- blue or purple food coloring (optional)
- edible glow-in-the-dark stars or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Prepare the cupcakes: Mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, vanilla extract, and tonic water. Divide the batter and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and sugar, then add tonic water, lemon juice, and food coloring if desired. Frost the cooled cupcakes.
- Decorate: Add glow-in-the-dark stars or sprinkles.
- Activate the glow: Place under a black light to see the glowing effect.
Notes
- The glow effect is due to quinine in tonic water and is enhanced under UV light.
- For stronger glow, use tonic water in both batter and frosting.
- Variations: Make mini cupcakes or use piped frosting for intricate designs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
