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.
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What a touching sweet post. Can’t imagine ever losing a child, so nice of you to do something to remember her. They look perfect!
such a touching and sweet post, Rachel. my heart and prayers go out to them and you. I love Carrian’s quote above. so so true. xoox
There are no words for a parent losing a child. Hugs for you and your family as you remember such a special little girl.
A beautiful bittersweet post, thanks for sharing this. I’ve lost my neice and I in some way understand what you re going through. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Rachel, this is such a lovely post. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and any others touched by this experience. May you all have the peace you need at this time. “For they were too pure, too lovely to have lived on this earth”. Love you
You are right Rachel, no mom should ever experience anything so horrible. I will keep their family in my thoughts and prayers.
This is beautiful, Rachel. Definitely praying, I cannot imagine this kind of loss.
Many prayers for your cousin and entire family who is suffering over this great loss. Beautiful memorial post, Rachel! :(
I have said a prayer for all those who loved little Rowan Olivia but most especially for her Mom. I am a Mom of three healthy children and I do not even want to try to imagine the pain of the loss of a child. I am at my shop and I won’t get home in time to make cupcakes tonight but I will tomorrow for my kids in the memory of that adorable face of Rowan Olivia. I send a bear hug to your Cousin Megan from cyber space.
A beautiful post Rachel. This is heartbreaking and I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I can not imagine the pain of losing a child. Saying special prayers for Megan and the rest of your family today. I long for the day when there will be no more tears and no more pain.