Glow in the Dark Cupcakes
Sometimes it’s pretty cool to be a Rock Star Mom! I love it when the kids think what I make is cool, and let’s face it, those times are few and far between, especially with teenagers. These Glow in the Dark Cupcakes will put your kids {and adults} in awe of you, but Shhh…don’t tell them…they are really easy!
These are perfect for your Halloween Party or even a fun family Halloween Dinner. Just remember, you will need a black light to see them glow. Black lights are available at most department stores, like Walmart, Target, Ace Hardware, etc. It’s best to buy the actual black light though, we tried the light bulb and it didn’t work as well.
This cupcake shoot was a first for us, taking pictures at night has a whole new challenge. And let’s not mention that our neighbors think we are even crazier now. But it was totally worth it! I love how the cupcakes turned out.
Without the dark of night and the help of a black light, the Glow in the Dark Cupcakes are actually green. Let me show you how to make them…
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Glow in the Dark Cupcakes Directions
First you will need to frost your cupcakes. The recipe is below, but essentially it’s frosting with Tonic Water added. I found that using a star tip for decorating was best. We also tried orange frosting, but the white turned out best. After the cupcakes are frosted, pop them into the freezer while you make the jello.
And here is where most of the action happens…jello and tonic water!
Mix lime jello with 1 cup boiling water and stir about 2 minutes until dissolved.
Add 1 cup tonic water to the jello. You can find tonic water near the liquor in your grocery store.
Now fill a large bowl with ice water and place the bowl of jello in. Continue to stir. You want the jello to cool down, but not begin to set up. When the jello is cool to the touch, remove it from the ice water.
Now it’s time to dip the cupcakes. Remove a couple at a time from the fridge and dip into the jello. Place them back into the freezer for 5 minutes. Repeat this dipping – freezing process 6 times. Be sure to stir the jello each time and watch it so it doesn’t start setting up. If it does get thick, dipping 4 times will work as well, but 6 is better.
Keep cupcakes in fridge or freezer until you are ready to serve them. And store leftovers in the fridge as well. You should be able to make them a day or so ahead, although the ones I made I used the same day.
See…I told you it wasn’t difficult! Now you can be a Rock Star Mom too! Looking for more Halloween Party Food?
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Glow in the Dark Cupcakes
Your kids will think you are a Rock Star when you make their cupcakes Glow in the Dark. Recipe from HoosierHomemde.com.
Ingredients
Frosting
- 1 cup Real Butter
- 4 - 6 cups Powdered Sugar
- 5 tablespoons tonic water
- 1-2 tablespoons Vanilla
Glow in the Dark Dip
- 1 small box lime jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup tonic water
Instructions
Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar, alternate with tonic water
- Stir in vanilla
- Frosting should be stiff for these cupcakes
Glow in the Dark
- Mix jello and boiling water, stir 2 minutes until dissolved
- Add tonic water and stir
- Place in large bowl with ice water and stir until jello is cool to the touch
- Remove jello from ice bath
- Remove a couple cupcakes from the freezer at a time and dip in jello mixture
- Place back in freezer, repeat dipping and freezing process 4-6 times
Notes
Be sure to have your frosting stiff, not super stiff though, it will work better when dipping.
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Could you use whipped cream frosting?
I’ve never tried it- it might fall apart in the solution, but you can definitely give it a shot!
My daughter is turning 30 on the 27th of October,and I’m going to make her a Halloween cake that glows in the dark. My question is how would I get the yellow,and orange,and green to glow. I do know that white fondant and icing will glow with a black light. Will it make a difference if I use a regular black light or an florescent black light.
Yes Scott, we used a UV Black Light for the cupcakes.
Happy Baking!
~Liz
Can I add tonic water into a whipped cream cheese frosting without ruining it?
Hi Meagan, I have not try it with whipped cream cheese frosting before. It’s certainly worth a try.
Happy Baking!
~Liz
Why does it have to be real butter, my daughter is allergic. Just wondering why I can’t use the soy substitute I bake with.
Hi Susan, it does not have to be real butter, whatever you substitute with in your frosting is fine. I make my frosting with real butter, not margarine or shortening.
Happy Baking!
~Liz
Love these, I had no idea jello and tonic water could do that! Ill have to give these a go next Halloween!
So glad you liked them! Thanks for stopping by!
~Liz
This is certainly a new one for me. I love the idea and I can’t wait to try them. Thanks for the creativity.
Thanks so much for stopping by Sandy! Thrilled you like the Glow in the Dark Cupcakes!
~Liz
This is an amazing idea! If I had more time, I’d definitely make these for Halloween tomorrow. Keeping in mind for next year! Pinned, tweeted, and shared. Thanks so much for sharing at Merry Monday, you’re going to be my feature this week! I’ll be sharing on all my social media on Sunday so I’d love it if you’d follow me! Hope to see you again Sunday night!