Pretty In Pink Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream {in loving memory}
Posted: 10/19/2012
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
cupcakes
These pretty in pink cupcakes are perfect for a girl’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just because.
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 Information
Serving: 1cupcake, Calories: 228kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 179mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Janie says
OMG you made me crying so much, I think whenever I see or making any pink cupcake, I will remember that story, the litte girl with angel smile and praying for her with all of my heart. So sorry for her mom :(
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Iv’e been fighting all day it feels like, with my 7 year old because well..she knows everything and I know nothing :/ Posts like this puts everything in perspective.
Another angel…..
Tammy Harrington says
How nice that you were able to make something special to honor Rowan. We lost our oldest son just after his 3rd birthday. I have not been able to celebrate the day, even 9 years later, but my husband always bakes a cake to help our younger children remember. I am truly sorry that your cousin and your family have had to endure this loss.
Rachel says
Thanks Veronica. :) I’ll stop by your blog and check it out!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
Rachel what a beautiful post…
Ashley - Baker by Nature says
Such a touching post, Rachel. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’ll be praying for you, and your cousin today.
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
so sorry for your loss, rachel. what a lovely way to remember rowan by!
Stephanie says
Beautiful post and the perfect way to remember this beautiful girl!
Gerontologist says
Rachel, I am praying for your cousin Megan and for Rowan’s daddy as well. Losing a child is a tragedy. My little brother died in 1967 at age 3 and I have never gotten over the loss. I have a 4 yr old grandson and I don’t know if I could survive if something happened to him.
God bless your family today and everyday.
Sheila says
Rachel, what a beautiful post. I will definitely pray for your family today.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
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!
Julie @ Table for Two says
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
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
There are no words for a parent losing a child. Hugs for you and your family as you remember such a special little girl.
Audra Bell says
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.
carrian says
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