Description
These delightful Valentine-themed cupcakes are perfect for celebrating love and friendship. They feature a fluffy, moist texture with a classic vanilla flavor, topped with sweet frosting and colorful festive sprinkles to steal hearts at any party or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free versions)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Can be replaced with dairy-free butter for a vegan option)
- 2 large Eggs (Substitute with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal for vegan versions)
- 0.5 cup Milk (Can be swapped with almond or oat milk for lactose-free options)
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 0.5 tsp Salt
Decoration
- 0.5 cup Festive Sprinkles
- 1 cup Frosting (optional) (Consider classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Fill Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost cupcakes with your preferred frosting and decorate with festive sprinkles for a charming Valentine’s Day treat.
Notes
- For gluten-free cupcakes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- To make vegan cupcakes, substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal and use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Customize frosting flavors such as classic buttercream or cream cheese to suit your taste.
- The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
