Cupid Arrow Cupcakes

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 18 mins
Total Time 48 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 12
Calories: 360
Description

Soft pink cupcakes topped with fluffy buttercream and adorable Cupid arrow decorations. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, bake sales, or a fun afternoon baking project.

Ingredients
    For the cupcakes
  • 1/2 box white cake mix (about 7.5 oz | 210 g)
  • 1/4 gel Pink food coloring, about tsp (use less or more to taste)
    • For the buttercream frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (4 oz | 113 g)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (8 oz | 225 g)
  • 1 tbsp milk (15 ml)
    • For the Cupid arrow decorations
  • 12 small pretzel sticks
  • 1/2 cup pink candy melts (about 3 oz | 85 g)
  • 4 oz 4–5 red rolling fondant (115–140 g)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Mix the cake batter according to the box directions, then stir in the pink gel food coloring until the color looks even. Scoop into a lined muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
  2. 2
    Bake according to the package directions until the cupcakes are set and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before frosting.
  3. 3
    While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and milk, then whip until light and fluffy. Spoon into a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  4. 4
    Frost the cooled cupcakes with generous swirls or simple swoops. Set aside while you make the decorations.
  5. 5
    Knead the fondant until smooth, then roll small balls and press them together to form heart shapes. Place on parchment paper to rest.
  6. 6
    Melt the pink candy melts in short microwave bursts, stirring between each one. Pipe two small V-shapes near one end of each pretzel stick to create the arrow detail, then let set for about 15–20 minutes.
  7. 7
    Press one pretzel arrow into each cupcake, followed by a fondant heart. Serve and enjoy.
Note

Make-ahead friendly: the cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored unfrosted at room temperature. Decorate the day you plan to serve for best results.

Short on time? Skip the fondant and use store-bought candy hearts instead.

For a lighter frosting, use light butter or swap part of the butter for light cream cheese.

Keywords: Valentine's
https://trustedmemorialplanners.com/post/recipe/cupid-arrow-cupcakes