These pretty in pink cupcakes are perfect for a girl’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just because.
I write today’s post with a heavy heart. Earlier this year, my cousin Megan experienced something a mom should never ever have to experience: the loss of her four year old daughter, Rowan Olivia.
Today would have been Rowan’s 5th birthday.
I wanted to do something special to remember this beautiful, joyous little girl, so I made cupcakes. Fun pink cupcakes. With hearts. Because to me–that’s Rowan. Laughter, hearts, smiles, and love.
Make these cupcakes. Or any cupcakes. Make them for your daughter. Make them for a friend’s daughter. Make them for a niece. Make them for a stranger. Make them in memory of Rowan. Celebrate life–it is extremely precious and fragile.
While you’re baking, say a prayer.
Say a prayer for Megan. Pray that God gives her strength and courage to look back on the memories of her daughter with a smile on her face today. Pray that she finds peace and comfort in the times when she needs to cry.
Say a prayer for all moms and dads that have experienced this unimaginable type of loss.
And eat the cupcakes with a smile on your face, remembering the wonderful times you have spent with your family and friends. Cherish every one of those moments.
Pretty in Pink Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick), softened
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon raspberry extract (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon pink gel food coloring (or until desired color)
- 3 large eggs
For the frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ounces unsweetened dark baking chocolate, melted & cooled
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare cupcake tins with 24 cupcake liners. Make sure they are pink and/or very fun.
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat all ingredients together on low speed for approximately 30 seconds or until combined, scraping bowl as needed. Increase speed to high for 3 minutes, scraping bowl as needed.
- Fill cupcake tins about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until cupcakes are set and spring back when touched lightly. Cool completely on wire rack.
- For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and chocolate on low-speed until blended. Gradually add milk to make frosting desired consistency. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes or spread on with a knife.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
Hi Rachel, this is my first visit to your blog. I saw these cupcakes on foodgawker, smitten with the hearts and pink. Never did I expect to be brought to tears after clicking. My heart is with you all. I have prayed for the entire family and will continue to do so. Your tribute and post are so beautiful, as we can feel the love Rowan gave. I will bake a special batch of cupcakes to honor her and celebrate life.
I make handmade cards, the majority for charitable purposes (kids in hospitals, cancer patients, grieving families, etc.)… and my crafty heart cannot help but want to make a card for Megan. I don’t know if you would be comfortable with that since it would require an address. If that doesn’t settle well with you, maybe I could at least make it and then email you a picture of it to show her? If it would help with a decision, I’ve included my blog addy with my info. My most recent post (as of now) is a Christmas card for a child spending the holidays in the hospital, via a cause I faithfully create for called I Feel the Love. I apologize for this novel-length comment. I just want to reach out in the best way I know how… making a card to deliver love, hugs, and blessings.
Wow, thank you Karen! Your cards are really something—you must spend a lot of time on them! You can absolutely email me a photo of a card and I will pass it on to Megan. I’ll also get in touch with her about giving out her mailing address. Thanks again!
Hi Rachel! I am ecstatic for the opportunity to spread a little sunshine into her heart! Thank you for the kind words on my cards. Indeed each one is time consuming, but every hour spent on the tiny details is worth it. :) I hope Megan likes what I will soon make for her. Thank you! :) Have a beautiful day!