Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) milk

For the buttercream frosting:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3–4 cups (375–500 g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Blue gel food coloring

For decoration:

• Crushed graham crackers (for “sand”)

• Edible seashells & starfish (made of white chocolate or fondant)

• Optional: edible glitter or pearl sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Make the cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

5. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.

6. Divide batter evenly into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the buttercream

1. Beat butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar.

3. Mix in cream and vanilla, beating until fluffy.

4. Tint with blue gel food coloring for a “sea wave” effect.

3. Decorate

1. Pipe swirls of blue buttercream on each cooled cupcake.

2. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers around the base for a sandy look.

3. Top with edible seashells, starfish, or small fondant decorations.

4. Add a touch of edible glitter or pearls for a magical ocean vibe.

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✨ Result: Beautiful beach cupcakes that look like they belong at the seaside — soft vanilla base, creamy frosting, and stunning edible decorations.