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Caroline

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cupcakes

These Valentine’s Day chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist, and topped with a fluffy pink buttercream frosting. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, they’re easy to make and ideal for parties, gifts, or a festive dessert table.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups icing sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream
  • pink food coloring

Equipment

  • muffin pan
  • paper or foil cupcake liners
  • mixing bowls
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about three-quarters full with batter.
  7. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat icing sugar and butter on low speed until combined.
  10. Increase speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  11. Add vanilla, food coloring, and cream. Beat for 1 more minute, adjusting consistency as needed.
  12. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.

Notes

Gel food coloring produces vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Chill the frosting briefly if piping detailed designs. Cupcakes taste best at room temperature. Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.