When I think of Valentine’s Day Hearts and Pink come to mind. For some people, it might be chocolate, roses, or fancy dinners and I am all about that too but I love pink and I’ll take any chance I get to decorate with pink!! I love these cupcakes because they are visually so pretty and they taste just as good! The cake for these cupcakes is vanilla with a vanilla buttercream icing.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I wanted to get a post out quickly because I didn’t plan very well and here I am two days before Valentine’s Day with nothing to share. I had good intentions of sharing a Valentines Dinner and I even came up with a Salmon recipe, tested it out, got my photos and then life got busy and I never got the post out. The good news is I will be posting the recipe soon so keep checking back!
My inspiration behind this post was sharing the perfect vanilla cupcake recipe. I think it’s difficult to make the perfectly moist, yet spongy vanilla cupcake. I have messed around with a lot of different recipes and then I found this recipe by Lindsey at Life Love and Sugar and I make it all the time! It’s a quick and easy recipe and the cupcakes come out moist and delicious. This recipe uses vegetable oil rather than butter, making it similar to a boxed cake. In my opinion, the cake is more moist and lasts longer when you use oil. Click here for the recipe. I love her blog, she has really great cake recipes and her decorating is beautiful.
VANILLA BUTTERCREAM ICING
I get asked a lot what I use in my icing recipe and I am always happy to share, but this is the first time I have posted on my blog. I use a basic buttercream icing recipe. I have been using the same recipe for years and I think it’s the best consistency and tastes the best. A lot of recipes call for half butter and half shortening, but my preference for the best taste is using only butter. Also, a lot of recipes call for salted butter which pairs well with vanilla, but I always use unsalted because you never know how much salt is in the butter and too much can ruin your icing.
Icing Tips:
- Butter needs to be at room temperature before beating it – Make sure to beat out all lumps before adding the powdered sugar. This step is essential for a smooth icing consistency.
- Sift powdered sugar – Sifting removes any lumps and makes the sugar fluffier by adding air. Any fine mesh can be used for sifting, most commonly a kitchen strainer.
- Don’t over beat icing – Once all ingredients are combined, try not to over beat the icing as this will cause bubbles ruining the texture of the icing.
- Buttercream Icing is best at room temperature – It’s best to frost your cake or cupcakes when icing is at room temperature.
- Always make more than less – I almost always double the recipe and make enough to do the entire job because it is difficult to recreate colors.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp water or milk, more or less for desired consistency
- In a stand mixer, on medium speed whip the butter until light and fluffy, making sure there are no clumps.
- On low speed, slowly add in powdered sugar, half a cup at a time until well combined. Add in vanilla.
- Add water or milk by the tablespoon until desired consistency. You should be able to hold a spoon of icing on its side without it falling off the spoon.
- If you want to color your icing, I recommend using Wilton Icing Color Gels. Slowly add to icing until you icing is your desired color.
- *Note* Double recipe if piping icing for cupcakes.
Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day!? I would love to hear what you’re up to or see pictures of any treats you’re making or receive! Post a picture and hashtag thewelldressedkitchen 💗
Shop products I used in this recipe:
TO MAKE THIS ICING, I USE MY KITCHEN AID STAND MIXER, TRULY EVERY WELL DRESSED KITCHEN NEEDS ONE SO I HAVE LINKED BELOW.
You need this cupcake tin from William’s Sonoma, it makes the perfect cupcakes. I won’t use a different pan every again. My cupcakes come out fluffy every time! Click on picture below to purchase!
