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!
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 :(
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…..
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.
Thanks Veronica. :) I’ll stop by your blog and check it out!
Rachel what a beautiful post…
Such a touching post, Rachel. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’ll be praying for you, and your cousin today.
so sorry for your loss, rachel. what a lovely way to remember rowan by!
Beautiful post and the perfect way to remember this beautiful girl!
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.
Rachel, what a beautiful post. I will definitely pray for your family today.