Pretty Pink Cupcakes for Valentine's Day
Prep time: 1:45 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Makes: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
Simple Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 110g butter, softened
- 110g golden caster sugar
- 110g self-raising flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Approx. 2 tbsp milk
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup or 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp milk, heavy cream or water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt to taste
Decorating:
- Icing / food colouring of choice
- Stars, nonpareils/dragees, and more
Maybe it's the family, the kids, the girlfriends or your special loved one — whoever you're spending Valentine's Day with this year, there's no better way to celebrate than with some pretty pink cupcakes!
This easy Valentine's Day cupcake recipe is a go-to for many mums, friends, and even kids as they use simple and beginner-friendly cupcake decorating tools & techniques. Perfect as an after-school surprise or even for birthdays and other special occasions, they are a great way to add a touch of colour to your gatherings and unleash creativity in the kitchen!
Recipe & photos courtesy of Wilton Cakes
Method
Vanilla Cupcake
Preheat oven to 180ºC. Cream together 110g of butter and 110g of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract. Then, add the beaten eggs gradually into the butter mixture.
Add flour and 1 tbsp of milk into the mixture. Add another tbsp of milk if needed (mixture should fall easily off a spoon). Line a muffin tray or pan with cupcake liners, and divide the batter into each one evenly. Fill each cup about less than half full.
Put the cupcake batters into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they are slightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Once they're done, let cool on a cooling tray for 5-7 minutes.
Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup shortening. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1 minute). Add the 1 tsp of vanilla extract and scrape the bowl periodically.
Add 1 cup of sifted sugar into the mixture. Mix on low speed, and slowly increase to medium speed. Add 1 more cup of sugar. Repeat until all sugar has been mixed in. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl after each cup of sugar. Once all sugar is added, the frosting will appear stiff.
Gradually add milk or water (small amounts at a time). Continue to mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, or to your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt if mixture is too sweet. Once you've reached the desired taste, scrape the bowl one more time and mix well. Divide into separate bowls for coloured icing when ready.
Cupcake Decorating
Prepare four piping bags separately with your selected cake decorating tips on each one. Pour each colour of frosting into the separate piping bags. Pipe stars, rosettes, or other selected shapes onto the cupcakes. Top with sprinkles, nonpareils & dragees or more cupcake decoration ideas. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I substitute with different flavoured cupcakes?
You absolutely can! Why not try chocolate or red velvet?
How do you pipe the icing to decorate?
How to pipe stars: Use a star tip on your piping bag. Hold the bag straight up with the tip slightly above the surface. Squeeze bag to form a star (the more pressure you place, the bigger the star). Stop squeezing before pulling the tip away.
How to pipe rosettes: Hold the bag at a 90º angle with the tip slightly above the surface. Squeeze out frosting as if you're making a star. Without releasing pressure, raise the tip slightly and form a circular motion gradually away from the centerof the star.
It's always a good idea to trial on a board or piece of napkin to do your first try!
