❤️ Chocolate Valentine Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream

✨ Description

Moist, rich chocolate cupcakes topped with fluffy pink vanilla buttercream, festive sprinkles, and adorable heart decorations. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or sweet celebrations.

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📝 Ingredients (Makes 12 Cupcakes)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup (120ml) milk

• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) hot water or hot coffee

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For the Pink Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pink food coloring

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Decorations

• Red & pink heart sprinkles

• Candy hearts or fondant hearts

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Stir in hot water/coffee (batter will be thin).

5. Fill liners ⅔ full.

6. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before frosting.

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Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream

1. Beat softened butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

2. Gradually add powdered sugar.

3. Add vanilla and cream. Beat until smooth.

4. Add pink food coloring and mix to desired shade.

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Step 3: Decorate

1. Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a star tip.

2. Pipe swirls onto cooled cupcakes.

3. Sprinkle heart decorations on top.

4. Place a candy heart in the center.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant pink without thinning frosting.

• Chill cupcakes 10 minutes before piping for cleaner swirls.

• Add chocolate chips inside for a surprise center.

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🥰 Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for 1 day.

• Refrigerate up to 4 days (bring to room temperature before serving).