Week 27: Canada Day/Independence Day - Funfetti Firecracker Cupcakes [Baking]

Intro from Baking Challenge: This week, our challenge focuses on two national birthdays. Canada celebrates Canada Day on July 1st. This is anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, which united three colonies into a single country and defines much of the structure of Canada's government. Red and white and maple leaf themed baked goods are a big focus on this holiday, like maple leaf sugar cookies or this gorgeous cake. The United States celebrates Independence Day, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the British Empire, on July 4th. Goodies on the 4th are all about the red white and blue. How cool are these flag cake pops or these cheesecake bars? Happy baking, and happy birthday to Canada and the USA!

Firecracker popsicles were one of my favorite summer treats as a kid, so when I found this recipe for a cupcake version, I knew I had to make them for this week's challenge. Rather than the lemon/lime cupcakes with Jell-O called for in the link, I just made funfetti cupcakes for a more festive base. However, I did have a blast making the blue raspberry, lime, and cherry butter cream frosting! Also, the recipe is sadly silent on how to actually pipe that beautiful popsicle-looking frosting, so I found this tutorial using a large French tip. I unfortunately only had a 1M Wilton tip, so my frosting waves were a little more spaced, but I think it still came out pretty decent! 

Since it was a hot day, we threw them in the fridge so the frosting wouldn't melt. It ended up being a genius idea, as they were even better chilled! Everyone was eating them upside-down like real popsicles.