Short Description
Celebrate love with these elegant Valentine’s Day Rose & Heart Cupcakes. Featuring tender vanilla cupcakes topped with a light, fragrant rose-infused buttercream and decorated with charming sugar roses and heart-shaped sprinkles, they’re a sweet way to show affection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cupcakes are more than just visually stunning—they’re soft, moist, and delicately flavored with a hint of rose. The floral buttercream adds a sophisticated twist, while their lovely decoration makes them perfect for romantic occasions or festive parties. Easy to make and customizable, they’re ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cupcakes
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup sour cream
For the Rose Buttercream Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp rose water (or more to taste)
Pink or red food coloring
For Decoration
Edible heart sprinkles
Sugar roses
Directions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Rose Buttercream
Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and rose water. Tint with food coloring to your desired shade of pink or red.
Decorate the Cupcakes
Using a rose piping tip, frost the cupcakes with elegant swirls. Add sugar roses and heart-shaped sprinkles for a romantic touch.
Serve and Enjoy
These cupcakes make a beautiful and heartfelt treat for Valentine’s Day or any celebration of love.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18–20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Chocolate base: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate rose cupcakes.
Strawberry flavor: Add 2 tbsp of strawberry puree to the batter for a fruity twist.
Mini cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats; reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.
Lemon rose: Add lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a refreshing citrus note.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter, milk, and sour cream alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate as needed.
Serving: Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes—bake and store the cupcakes unfrosted for up to 2 days, then frost before serving.
2. What type of rose water should I use?
Use culinary-grade rose water. Start with a small amount and increase to taste, as it can be strong.
3. How do I get the rose swirl with frosting?
Use a piping bag fitted with a large star or rose tip (like Wilton 1M) and pipe in a spiral from the center outwards.
4. Can I color the frosting naturally?
Yes—use beet powder or strawberry puree for a natural pink hue, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
5. Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?
Yes, though rose flavor is delicate—adjust rose water quantity for a milder taste if desired.
6. Can I use a box cake mix instead?
You can, but the homemade version offers superior texture and flavor. Use the frosting and decoration as directed.
7. Can I make these egg-free?
Yes—replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
8. Can I use other decorations?
Absolutely—try edible glitter, fondant hearts, or fresh edible flowers for a personalized touch.
9. What’s the best way to store frosted cupcakes?
Keep them in a covered container in the fridge, especially if storing overnight or longer.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—simply double all ingredients and bake in batches or use two muffin tins.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day Rose & Heart Cupcakes are a beautiful way to celebrate love through baking. With their delicate rose flavor, moist vanilla crumb, and eye-catching decorations, they’re sure to capture hearts. Whether shared with a partner, friends, or family, these cupcakes add a heartfelt touch to any sweet occasion.
[tasty-recipe id=”19417″]