Love Cupcakes with Frosting and Heart-Shaped Candies

These love cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day or any special celebration. Topped with smooth frosting and adorable heart-shaped candies, they’re festive, fun, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how cheerful and customizable these cupcakes are. They start with a simple, moist vanilla or chocolate base and get dressed up with fluffy frosting and cute decorations. They’re fun to bake, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat — perfect for sharing love in dessert form.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cupcakes:

• all-purpose flour

• baking powder

• salt

• sugar

• unsalted butter, softened

• eggs

• vanilla extract

• milk

• (or use your favorite chocolate cupcake base instead)

For the frosting:

• unsalted butter, softened

• powdered sugar

• vanilla extract

• heavy cream or milk

• food coloring (pink or red, optional)

For decorating:

• heart-shaped candies

• sprinkles

• edible glitter (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. In a bowl, I cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I add the dry mixture to the wet in batches, alternating with the milk.

4. I fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Then I let them cool completely.

5. For the frosting, I beat the butter until smooth, then slowly add powdered sugar. I mix in vanilla and cream, then tint the frosting pink or red if I want a festive look.

6. I frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or knife, then decorate with heart-shaped candies and sprinkles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cool + decorate time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use strawberry or red velvet cake mix for a Valentine’s twist.

• For a surprise center, I fill the cupcakes with jam or chocolate ganache.

• I’ve also used cream cheese frosting for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. I let chilled cupcakes come to room temp before serving. They also freeze well (unfrosted) for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed mix?

Yes, and it saves time. I just focus on making the frosting and decorating extra special.

How do I get fluffy frosting?

I beat the butter for several minutes before adding sugar and whip it with cream at the end for lightness.

What frosting tip should I use?

I like using a large star tip for swirls, but even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped works fine.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but I like to stir in a little vanilla or cream to make it taste more homemade.

Do the heart candies melt?

Nope — they hold their shape well. I add them just before serving so they stay pretty.

Conclusion

These love cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether I’m baking for someone special or just spreading a little sweetness, these frosted beauties with heart candies are always a delightful way to share the love.

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