Follow these easy steps to create your Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the Batter: Split the batter into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl plain. Add red food coloring to the second bowl until you reach your desired shade. Add blue food coloring to the third bowl to achieve the desired blue hue.
7. Layer the Batter: Start layering the colored batters in each cupcake liner, beginning with blue, then white, and finally red on top. Fill each liner about two-thirds full.
8. Bake the Cupcakes: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cupcakes: After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost the Cupcakes: Once fully cooled, frost each cupcake with vanilla frosting. Be generous with the frosting for an indulgent treat!
11. Decorate: Top each cupcake with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries for a festive touch.