15 Best Homemade Valentine Cupcakes
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One of the best Valentine’s Day party desserts is the cupcake. Why you may ask?
Although one could consider the sweet flavors or vibrant colors used to decorate it, Valentine cupcakes are perfect for one reason really. They are easy to pick up and eat.
Most Valentine’s Day parties I go to involve mingling. A little chatting here and there. And spending time with those you care most about.
So, you want a dessert that supports this. Enter Valentine cupcakes.
Also, they can be easy to make. Whip up a dozen cupcakes in a morning or afternoon just in time for a party. Or freeze the cupcakes earlier in the week and decorate them right before showtime.
And most importantly, we just finished cookie season. Christmas is the time of the cookie. All kinds of cookies.
By Valentine’s Day, one desires something more decadent and with less multitude. A single amazing Valentine cupcake can fill the dessert coffers to get to Easter. And you don’t have to spend weeks in January finishing trays of Christmas thumbprints.
So, Valentine cupcakes it is. But to get ready to make these homemade Valentine cupcakes, you might want to check out some of our favorite Valentine baking essentials.
Valentine Baking Essentials
So, let me be honest here. Any baking essentials work for making Valentine cupcakes. With the exception of some cute Valentine sprinkles or maybe a fondant decoration, homemade Valentine cupcakes can be made with anything you already own.
But Valentine themed baking items do make things just a tad cuter. Here are a couple “essentials” to make your Valentine baking, well just that, more Valentiney.
Valentine Sprinkles
I love how sprinkle mixes have gotten so creative over the years. It is much improved from the days of only red and pink sanding sugars. Check out these adorable pink themed Valentine sprinkles. Or how about a set that features Xs and Os or maybe one with little pink roses. (affiliates)
Cupcake Liners
Although the cupcake liner that you bake your homemade Valentine cupcake in probably doesn’t matter because you won’t be able to see it when it comes out of the oven any way, you can always slip a Valentine themed liner over the topped of your baked cupcake before serving. These Valentine cupcake liners are a great tool. (affiliate)
Or skip the liner and bake your cupcake in a heart shaped aluminum cupcake pan. Perfect for creating a Valentine themed dessert tray. (affiliate)
Toppers
Although many of these Valentine cupcakes are beautifully decorated with edible toppers, adding an extra Valentine touch can take your cupcake to another level. Use these gold cutout cupcake charms to send Valentine sentiments with your cupcakes. Or glitter cupids might add a sweet touch. (affiliates).
You can also make your own Valentine cupcake toppers with these Free Printable Valentine Cupcake Toppers. Simply follow these directions and add to your cupcakes.
Baking Accessories
So, now for the fun part. Valentine baking should be enjoyable. And little accessories around the kitchen can help. (affiliates)
Valentine Spatulas – for helping pour the batter into the cupcake liners.
Valentine Oven Mitts and Potholders – for taking the cupcakes out of the oven. Or even just checking on them.
Valentine Towels – for wiping up unexpected spills.
Heart Shaped Silicone Baking Tray – in case you want to make heart shaped cupcakes, any of the Valentine cupcakes below can be baked in this pan to make them heart shaped instead.
Best Homemade Valentine Cupcakes
Now that you are outfitted for your Valentine baking adventure, it’s time to get working on those Valentine cupcakes. Notice how the title of this post includes the word “homemade”. Honestly, it’s because they just make better cupcakes. You can go with store bought, but the ones baked at home just taste better. And you know the ingredients that are in them.
These Chocolate Raspberry Heart Cupcakes are probably my favorite homemade cupcakes that I've ever baked. They included everything I love about a cupcake - fresh fruit, whipped cream and chocolate.
Angel food cake is like biting into a little taste of heaven. Light and fluffy, this cupcake is sure to make you want a second. Maybe even a third. Plus they're easy to decorate with Cool Whip topping and fresh strawberries.
These strawberry cupcakes have a sweet surprise when you bite in. A full strawberry baked in the center of the vanilla cake. Wasn't expecting that.
For strawberry dessert lovers who want a twist, these Strawberry Soda Cupcakes will be just that. The combination of lemon and strawberry flavors are sure to have your tastebuds dancing.
The deep red coloring of red velvet cupcakes makes them a festive choice for any Valentine dessert table. The secret is the touch of cocoa powder that produces a fluffier cake and gives the cupcake its "velvet" name.
Although I don't always love surprises when it comes to food, some surprises are good surprises. These Valentine cupcakes definitely land in the good surprise category. Their little red hearts nestled inside them will add to Valentine sweetness.
It turns out that you don't need a heart shaped muffin pan to make heart shaped cupcakes. You can use a marble to pinch the top of the cupcake liner before baking. This results in the adorable heart shape without adding another accessory to your baking collection. (affiliate)
Winter means warming up to a mug of hot cocoa. With these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, you can celebrate Valentine's Day and enjoy the tastes of a cinnamon hot chocolate.
I love when bakers mix fresh fruit with cupcakes. These moist vanilla raspberry cupcakes are sure not to disappoint. They have bits of raspberry flecks throughout. Top with cream cheese frosting and a fresh raspberry for a delicious Valentine treat.
I know most of the cupcakes so far have featured a vanilla base cupcake. So, now bring on some chocolate with these Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes. And the best part? Christina drops a chocolate truffle into the batter before baking. What wonderful ooey, gooey bliss.
Brownie Cupcakes Recipe with Strawberry Frosting + Video
If I can't have a Valentine cupcake for a Valentine's Day dessert, then I would have to go for chocolate covered strawberries. Which is why I love these Brownie Cupcakes from The Slow Roasted Italian. They combine my love of chocolate covered strawberries and brownies all within a cupcake. Amazing!
I feel like every cupcake needs some sort of secret ingredient. Just from looking at these cupcakes, you probably wouldn't guess that it's coffee. That's right. Coffee is folded into the batter to make a scrumptious chocolate cupcake. And the chocolate hearts on top make a magical touch too.
In case your special Valentine has dietary restrictions, these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are vegan and gluten free. The strawberries are blended in and they are topped with "Cocowhip" - a vegan coconut Cool Whip. Strawberry shortcake in a cupcake!
Nutmeg is one of my favorite spices. I love slipping it into different foods like this spinach artichoke dip. So, I was excited to see it used as a main feature of these Nutmeg Cupcakes. Great way to add a bit of spice to your Valentine's Day.
Another cupcake and another secret ingredient. This one brings out the flavor of the berries in these raspberry cupcakes. And it's not what you would expect. Mixed with the pink and white frosting, they'd make a delicious Valentine cupcake.
More Valentine Ideas
We love Valentine’s Day around here. I think it helps break up the winter doldrums while we wait for spring. Here are a few more Valentine’s Day ideas to make your holiday extra special.
Free Printable Valentine Heart Crayon Card (and make your own heart crayons to go with it)
Valentine’s Day Cookie Mix in a Jar
Favorite Free Printable Valentine Cards
Want to save these homemade Valentine cupcakes for later? Be sure to pin it below.
Happy Celebrating,
Natalie
