Red Velvet Valentine Kiss Cupcakes

Celebrate love with these Red Velvet Valentine Kiss Cupcakes, a dessert that combines the classic elegance of red velvet with a fun, chocolatey surprise inside. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a sweet treat for a Valentine’s party, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. With moist red velvet cake, a hidden Hershey’s Kiss, and creamy frosting, they’re as delightful to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This recipe is perfect for any baking enthusiast or beginner.

• Quick to prepare: You’ll need just 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking.
• Ideal for sharing: Makes 12 cupcakes, perfect for parties or gifts.
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Everyone loves the surprise chocolate center.

Taste & Texture

These cupcakes strike the perfect balance:

• Moist and tender cake with a hint of vanilla.
• A rich, sweet surprise from the Hershey’s Kiss hidden in the center.
• Smooth, creamy frosting with a touch of sweetness.

Dietary Attributes

These cupcakes are nut-free. To make them gluten-free or dairy-free, check out our substitution suggestions below.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Cake:

• 2 sticks butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• Red food coloring (a natural brand is recommended)
• 12 Hershey’s Kisses

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Notes on Quality

• Always use room-temperature butter for optimal creaming. It helps create a light, airy batter.
• Buttermilk is essential for the soft texture and signature tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, see the substitution tips below.
• Red food coloring brings the classic red velvet hue. Opt for natural brands if possible.

Possible Substitutions

• For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar as a buttermilk replacement.
• If you can’t find Hershey’s Kisses, try using another chocolate candy of your choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cream Butter and Vanilla: In a stand mixer, cream 2 sticks of butter with 1 tsp vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
• Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1/3 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add Eggs: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Alternate Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well each time.
• Add Vinegar and Coloring: Mix in the vinegar and red food coloring until well combined.
• Bake: Pour the batter into a cupcake pan lined with cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool and Prepare: Let the cupcakes cool completely. Using a small knife, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Insert a Hershey’s Kiss and replace the piece of cake you removed.

Frosting Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, cream ½ cup butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract.
4. Add 2 tbsp milk and beat for another 3-4 minutes until creamy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Measure flour accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to cool the cupcakes before adding the Hershey’s Kiss may cause the chocolate to melt too much.
• Using too much food coloring can affect the flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
• Use a piping bag for quick and neat frosting application.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve these cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For an adult pairing, try a glass of sweet dessert wine or champagne.

Presentation Ideas

• Use heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter to decorate the frosting.
• Place each cupcake in a decorative wrapper for added flair.

Beverage Pairings

Pair these cupcakes with a latte, a rich hot chocolate, or a sparkling rosé.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating Methods

If you want to enjoy them warm, microwave each cupcake for about 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but add 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• What can I use instead of Hershey’s Kisses? Chocolate truffles or small pieces of dark chocolate work well.

Troubleshooting

• Why are my cupcakes dry? Be sure not to overbake and measure your ingredients accurately.
• Why didn’t my frosting turn out fluffy? The butter may not have been at room temperature.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Use plant-based butter and milk to make these cupcakes dairy-free.
• Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar for a healthier option.

Flavor Twists

• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty aroma.
• Swirl some raspberry jam into the frosting for added flavor.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Swap the red food coloring for green to make these cupcakes festive for Christmas.
• Use pastel colors and candy eggs for an Easter version.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Valentine Kiss Cupcakes are the perfect way to show love through baking. With a moist cake, chocolate surprise, and creamy frosting, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!

For more Valentine’s Day dessert ideas, check out:

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

For more inspiration, visit us on Pinterest.

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