Cupid’s Cupcakes Recipe – Strawberry, Nutella & Vanilla Bliss

Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cook Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes | Yield: 15 cupcakes

Looking for the perfect dessert to sweep your loved ones off their feet this Valentine’s Day? Cupid’s Cupcakes are the ultimate trifecta of indulgence with layers of strawberry, Nutella, and vanilla magic! These light and fluffy treats start with a classic vanilla cupcake base and feature two luxurious frostings swirled together in a show-stopping design. Let’s dive into this love-filled recipe that’s bound to be Cupid-approved!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Fun & Festive: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion.
• Easy to Customize: Swirl frostings, add garnishes, or substitute flavors to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Taste & Texture

• Flavor Explosion: Sweet vanilla, creamy Nutella, and fruity strawberry combine for a harmonious balance.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Soft cupcakes filled with gooey Nutella and topped with rich buttercream.

Dietary Attributes

While this recipe is not vegan or gluten-free, substitutions can easily be made for dietary needs. (See Variations & Customizations for ideas.)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 3/4 cups (207g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 1/3 cup (100g) Nutella

For the Nutella & Strawberry Swirl Buttercream:

• 1 cup (about 25g) freeze-dried strawberries, processed into powder
• 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups (720g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (100g) Nutella

Optional Garnishes:

• Chocolate heart candies or fresh strawberries

Substitutions & Notes

• Cake Flour: Use a DIY substitute by replacing 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour minus 3 1/2 tablespoons with cornstarch.
• Nutella Alternative: Swap with chocolate ganache for nut allergies.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, yogurt, and milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a muffin pan with 14-15 cupcake liners.
• In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on high speed until light and creamy (about 2 minutes).

• Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
• Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Fill liners 2/3 full. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Fill the Cupcakes

1. Cut a small circular hole in the center of each cooled cupcake, about 1 inch deep.
2. Spoon Nutella into each hole and cover with the removed cupcake piece (trimmed to fit).

Prepare the Swirled Buttercream

1. Blend freeze-dried strawberries into powder.
2. Beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Add sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high for 3 minutes.
3. Divide buttercream into two bowls. Mix Nutella into one and strawberry powder into the other.

Pipe the Frosting

1. Alternate spoonfuls of Nutella and strawberry frostings into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Pipe swirls onto each cupcake. Garnish with chocolate hearts or strawberries.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Measure flour carefully to avoid dense cupcakes.

Common Mistakes

• Overfilling liners causes spillovers. Stick to 2/3 full.
• Overmixing batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix gently.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make cupcakes or frostings a day in advance and store them properly.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with chocolate-dipped strawberries or a light fruit salad.
• Pair with a glass of champagne, sparkling cider, or milk.

Presentation Ideas

• Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand with rose petals scattered around for a romantic touch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Reheating Methods

• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free baking flour for 1:1 substitution.
• What can I use instead of Nutella? Chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting work well.

Troubleshooting

• Cupcakes are too dry: Ensure proper measuring and don’t overbake.
• Frosting too thick/thin: Adjust with extra sugar or cream.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make dairy-free or vegan by swapping butter, milk, and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

Flavor Twists

• Add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract to the batter for a unique touch.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Swap strawberries with pumpkin spice for fall or mint for Christmas.

Related Recipes

Looking for more festive Valentine’s Day desserts? Check out these other fun ideas:

• Valentine’s Day Macarons
• Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls
• Valentine’s Day Donuts

For more inspiration and baking tips, follow us on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie.

Conclusion

Cupid’s Cupcakes are a delightful way to share the love this Valentine’s Day! With their irresistible mix of flavors and stunning swirled frosting, they’re sure to win hearts. Give them a try, and let us know how yours turn out by leaving a comment or sharing a photo.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweetness and love! 💕

Print