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Beach Cupcakes for a Fun Summer Party

Everyone loves these adorable and delicious beach cupcakes! So easy to make, and perfect for summer birthdays, pool parties, and more.

beach cupcakes

Ahoy, cupcake connoisseurs and beach bum bakers! Get ready to set sail on a sugary adventure that’ll make your taste buds do the backstroke.

I’m excited to introduce you to the baked goods of your dreams, where the waves are made of frosting and the sand . . . well, it’s deliciously crumbly. I’m excited to share these beach cupcakes, the dessert that’s making a splash at summer birthdays and pool parties.

Now, before you don your apron and chef’s hat like some sort of kitchen-bound sea captain, let’s talk about what makes these cupcakes not just good, but “drop-your-sandcastle-and-run” fantastic.

They’re soft, they’re moist (without feeling like you found them at the bottom of the ocean), and they’re as indulgent as a day at the beach without the risk of sunburn. Imagine biting into a cloud of sugary bliss that’s as smooth and creamy as that high-end sunscreen you splurge on.

And these aren’t just any cupcakes. They’re a full-on beach-themed bash, complete with blue waves of frosting, graham cracker sand, and a cast of candy characters that are sure to get the party started.

The scene includes Teddy Grahams lounging under cocktail umbrella shade, Airhead Extreme Bites serving as the perfect beach towels, and Life Savers Gummies act as . . . life preservers. Optional pretzel rod palm trees sway in the gentle breeze.

You can also feel free to customize your cupcake coastline. Want to swap out the teddies for some goldfish crackers? Go for it. Thinking about adding Swedish fish to your sugary seascape? I’m not stopping you. The ocean’s the limit.

So, grab your muffin tin, hoist the sails, and let’s embark on a baking journey that promises to be as fun and colorful as a beach ball at a pool party.

Who knows? By the end of it, you might just find yourself crowned the ruler of the beach cupcake kingdom. Now, let’s dive in – no lifeguard on duty required!

Tips for Making Delicious Cupcakes

Before you dive into these cupcakes, I’ve got some tips for you on making the best (and tastiest) baked goods. If you’re interested, check them out. Otherwise scroll to the bottom for the recipe.

Use Quality Ingredients

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. You’ll for sure want to get fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract (instead of imitation).

cupcakes with beach theme

Avoid Overmixing

Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined, or the dry disappears into the wet. Overmixing can result in dense baked goods that are too firm.

Don’t Overfill the Liners

Fill liners about two-thirds full with batter. This prevents overflow and allows room for the cupcakes to rise.

Watch While Baking

Follow the suggested baking time, but also keep a close eye on your cupcakes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Transfer Immediately After Baking

Transfer to a wire cooling rack immediately after taking them out of the oven. This prevents condensation from forming on the bottom, which can make the cupcakes soggy.

Cool Before Frosting

Ensure they are completely cool before frosting. Warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt or slide off when applied.

easy beach themed cupcakes

Remember, practicing and experimenting will help you perfect your baking skills over time. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating delicious baked goods!

Here’s what you’re going to need for these beach themed cupcakes.

  • 15.25 ounce white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 – 2 (16 ounce) cans vanilla frosting
  • 5 – 7 drops blue food coloring
  • 1 box of graham crackers
  • Teddy Grahams
  • Airhead Extreme Bites
  • Life Savers Gummies
  • Optional – Small Pretzel Rods sticks on the ‘beach’

Tools

  • Cocktail umbrellas
  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Bowls
  • Spoons
  • Food processor
  • Butter knife or spatula

Tips and Thoughts for This Recipe

Do you want to make the cupcakes from scratch? Use the recipe from our Christmas wreath cupcakes then decorate with the beach scene instead.

Other things you could add in could be different flavored teddy grahams, goldfish and other sea cheese crackers, Swedish fish, or other candies that mimic things you would see in the ocean or at the beach.

summer beach cupcakes

Store your cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can either store them in the muffin tin covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

beach theme cupcake party

Get the printable recipe card below:

Yield: 15 cupcakes

Beach Cupcakes

cupcakes with beach theme

These irresistible beach-themed cupcakes are a hit with everyone! Simple to whip up and ideal for summer celebrations, poolside gatherings, and beyond.

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Cool Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 15.25 ounce white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 - 2 (16 ounce) cans vanilla frosting
  • 5 - 7 drops blue food coloring
  • 1 box of graham crackers
  • Teddy Grahams
  • Airhead Extreme Bites
  • Life Savers Gummies
  • Optional - Small Pretzel Rods sticks on the ‘beach’

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line your cupcake tin with cupcake liners.Muffin tin with white liners inserted
  2. Stir together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites until just combined. It's okay if there are a few little lumps remaining.Stir together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites
  3. Scoop about 1/4 cups of the cake mixture into each cupcake liner in your muffin tin.Scoop about 1:4 cups of the cake mixture into each cupcake liner
  4. Bake for about 18- 20 minutes or until slightly golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean. When the cupcakes are done, let them cool completely.Bake for about 18- 20 minutes
  5. While the cupcakes are baking, stir together the frosting and blue food coloring to make the "water."
  6. Use the knife to frost the cupcakes with the blue frosting. Make waves by swirling the frosting with the knife.frosting the cupcakes with blue frosting
  7. Make the "sand" by processing half of the graham crackers in your food processor.processing half of the graham crackers in a food processor
  8. Sprinkle sand on top of the frosting. Then decorate with the umbrellas, Teddy Grahams, Life Savers (floating devices), and the Airhead Extreme Bites (beach towels).adding graham cracker sand on top of the blue frosting

Notes

Nutritional information only includes ingredients up to graham crackers (the "sand") - anything else you add on top will need to be separately calculated.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1 cupcake

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 169mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 0gSugar: 31gProtein: 2g

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Did you love these beach themed cupcakes? Let me know in the comments! Also check out these other cupcake recipes with different themes:

Autumn OwlsBoston CreamCadbury Mini EggCandy CornChocolate ButtercreamChocolate CherryChocolate ZucchiniChurroCookie MonsterGingerbreadHoneyHot CocoaJam FilledMatchaPineapple Carrot CakePumpkinSnickersStrawberry Nutella

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