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!
As someone who has lost someone close to me as well, my heart breaks for your family. How wonderful that you could do something so sweet to honor her life. <3
I’m making these cupcakes and definitely saying a prayer for Megan. How terribly heartbreaking.
Oh, Rachel…..<3
I love that you turned a sad day into something bright and positive. My thoughts go out to you and your family. xoxo
What a sweet post, with wonderful kind words. My heart hurts for the family, I pray they are finding peace today.
Oh Rachel, there are no words. Nobody should ever have to go through what your cousin and the whole of your family has gone through. My thoughts are with you all; I’m sure Rowan would have loved these pink cupcakes.
What a beautiful post, Rachel. My heart breaks for your cousins loss of her adorable daughter. These are such a sweet way to remember her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
This breaks my heart. What a great way to celebrate a life. You cupcakes look beautiful. Thoughts and prayers to your cousin and the rest of your family. No parent should feel that kind of loss. <3<3<3
What a beautiful memorial treat. I can’t imagine how it must feel for you or your family to have to go through this… Sometimes, I wish I was better with words so that I could offer more comfort. But this is a beautiful way to remember such a beautiful little girl.
This is heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your cousin’s loss; your whole family’s loss. As the mom of a four-year-old girl, I cannot even imagine what Megan is going through. I will definitely be praying for her today.