If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert table or just treat yourself to something delightfully sweet, this Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe is exactly the charm you need. These cupcakes boast a tender vanilla crumb partnered with a luscious, creamy buttercream that’s colored with a vibrant pink hue, making them as stunning to look at as they are to eat. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive celebration, these cupcakes deliver pure joy in every bite and are surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun here. Each one plays a crucial role in giving these cupcakes their soft texture, sweet flavor, and that irresistibly smooth, pink frosting. You’ll find that simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create this delightful treat.
- All-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cupcake, giving it structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cupcakes rise to a light, airy perfection.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened for batter): Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients and provide structure for fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and classic flavor to the batter.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Moisturizes and lightens the texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened for frosting): Creates the smooth, creamy base for the buttercream.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and helps achieve a light, fluffy frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances the richness of the buttercream.
- Pink gel food coloring: Gives that vibrant pink shade without watering down the frosting.
How to Make Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This preparation ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and lift out easily once done.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, supporting a lovely rise and balanced flavor throughout the cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The creaming process is vital for incorporating air, leading to a tender cupcake crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This method helps maintain a smooth batter and distributes flavor evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can cause tough cupcakes.
Step 6: Portion Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then, let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Pink Buttercream Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy, gradually adding powdered sugar. Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then whip until light and fluffy. Finally, add pink gel food coloring little by little until you reach your desired shade of pink for a frosting that’s both vibrant and luscious.
Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes
Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the pink buttercream using a spatula or piping bag. The smooth, creamy texture and bright color make these cupcakes impossible to resist.
How to Serve Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe by adding thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkles add a fun crunch and color contrast while fresh berries can complement the sweetness and lend a natural freshness that balances the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with light beverages like herbal teas or sparkling lemonade, which cleanse the palate without overpowering the delicate flavors. For a party, you might also serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter for added variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your cupcakes lined up on a tiered stand or nestled in decorative cupcake wrappers to create an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also tie pink ribbons around the cupcake liners or place small edible flowers atop the frosting for a whimsical touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cupcakes and dull the vibrant frosting color.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw completely at room temperature before applying the buttercream.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm leftover cupcakes gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the texture tender. If frosted, skip reheating to preserve the buttercream’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel for the frosting?
While you can use liquid food coloring, gel is preferred for the Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe because it provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Liquid coloring may make the frosting runnier and harder to pipe.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit added salt in the recipe, as salted butter can make the cupcakes slightly saltier than intended. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.
Can I substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Coconut milk or almond milk work well to keep the cupcakes moist, though the flavor might vary slightly. Just make sure the alternative is unsweetened to avoid altering the cupcake’s sweetness.
How do I know when the cupcakes are fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cupcakes are done. Avoid overbaking, which can cause dryness.
Can I add different flavors to the buttercream?
Yes! While vanilla is classic for this Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe, you could add a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of strawberry puree for a fun twist without changing the texture too much.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe is a rewarding experience that brings a smile with every bite. Their delightful flavor and cheerful appearance make them a perfect pick-me-up or showstopper for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe — it’s a fantastic way to add a splash of color and sweetness to your day.
Print
Pink Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and visually stunning, these Pink Buttercream Cupcakes feature moist vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, vibrant pink buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color and classic flavor.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add Color: Incorporate pink gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly until the desired vibrant pink shade is achieved.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a spatula or piping bag, frost the cooled cupcakes evenly with the pink buttercream, and decorate as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store properly until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant pink color without thinning the frosting texture.
- These cupcakes can be decorated with sprinkles or fresh berries for an extra decorative touch.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and baking.
