Imagine biting into a cupcake so magical, it literally bursts with love and color! These Valentine's Day Sprinkle Cupcakes aren't just desserts; they're edible declarations of affection that will make hearts flutter and taste buds dance. Whether you're planning a romantic surprise for your sweetheart or looking to spread some joy, these festive cupcakes are guaranteed to create instant smiles and unforgettable moments of pure deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive Valentine's Day-themed cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in ¼ cup of sprinkles into the batter, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to create a small hole in the center of each cupcake for filling.
- Optional: Fill the centers with additional sprinkles or a complementary filling like strawberry jam.
- Prepare a vanilla buttercream frosting and pipe or spread onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Decorate the frosted cupcakes by sprinkling the remaining ¼ cup of sprinkles on top for a festive Valentine's Day look.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent cupcakes.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes.
- Sprinkle Strategy: Fold sprinkles gently into the batter to prevent color bleeding, and use fresh, vibrant sprinkles for the best visual appeal.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a perfect decorative finish.
- Filling Fun: Experiment with different fillings like strawberry jam, chocolate ganache, or additional sprinkles for surprise centers.
- Frosting Technique: Use a piping bag for professional-looking decorations, and have fun creating heart-shaped or swirled designs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
