Strawberry Sweetheart Cupcakes

Tiny Treats, Big Love

There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with something sweet! These Mini Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat—bite-sized, delicious, and made with love. Whether you’re baking them for your sweetheart, your kids, or to share with neighbors, these little goodies will make hearts flutter and smiles bloom. 

Makes about 24 mini cupcakes
 
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
⅓ cup whole milk
⅓ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended until smooth)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional, for a little extra romance!)

For the Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp strawberry purée
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Pink food coloring (optional, for extra vibrance)

For Decoration:
Fresh strawberries, halved
 Fresh raspberries
Heart-shaped sprinkles

Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake tin with Valentine-themed liners.

2. Make the Cupcakes
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the milk, strawberry purée, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the mini cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.

3. Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Frosting
Beat the butter in a bowl until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
Mix in the strawberry purée, vanilla extract, and salt. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring for a vibrant look, if desired.

5. Frost and Decorate
Using a piping bag with a star tip (or a spoon for a rustic look), frost each cupcake. Top with a fresh strawberry slice or heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive touch.

Pro Tip:
Add a little love note flag or a toothpick heart on top of each cupcake to personalize them!

Perfect for:
Valentine’s Day parties, sharing with neighbors, or a sweet surprise for your loved ones.