Description
These decadent Valentine’s Day Cupcakes are rich in chocolate flavor with a light and fluffy texture. Topped with creamy pink frosting, they’re the perfect treat for celebrating love. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for serving)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 & 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Frosting:
- 3 cups icing sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pink food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and sea salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and icing sugar until smooth and creamy. - Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, beating until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add the pink food coloring and mix until the color is even throughout the frosting.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the pink frosting.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a touch of contrast, if desired.
Notes
- You can add heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter for extra Valentine’s Day flair.
- For a richer flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If you don’t have pink food coloring, you can use red or a combination of red and white to achieve the desired color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Valentine’s Day cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, pink frosting, Valentine’s treats, homemade cupcakes, chocolate dessert