How to Make Valentine’s Day Surprise Cupcakes

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to surprise your loved ones than with a delightful treat that’s as sweet as your affection. In this blog post, we’re diving into the art of creating Valentine’s Day Surprise Cupcakes, where a heart-shaped cake is baked right inside hidden from sight! A red velvet heart is baked into a French vanilla cupcake. The technique is easy and this recipe is semi-homemade since the batter is made from boxed cake mixes.

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a family gathering, this cupcake creation will surely leave everyone in awe. So, let’s sprinkle some magic into your kitchen and make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a hidden heart in every bite!

What Do You Need To Make a Valentine’s Surprise Cupcake?

For the Valentine’s Day Surprise Cupcakes recipe, gather the following ingredients and tools.

• one box of vanilla cake mix (and listed ingredients)
• one box of red velvet cake mix (and listed ingredients)
• a canister of strawberry frosting
• red sprinkles
• a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, these ones on Amazon are cute, highly rated, and cheap!
• 1/2 size Cookie shet with a lip
• cupcake liners

How Do I Make Heart Surprise Cupcakes?

The first part of making these cupcakes is making the hearts. You need to bake the hearts first o they can fully cool to be able to handle them for the cupcake baking part.

Step 1 – Prep – Preheat the oven according to the boxed cake directions.

Step 2 – Make the Red Velvet Cake– Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into a 1⁄2 size cookie sheet with a lip. Cook for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick that is inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 3- Cool the Red Velvet Cake – Place the red velvet cake into the fridge for at least 20 minutes to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cupcake time with the 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Step 4 – Cut Out the Hearts – Once the red velvet cake is cooled, use a small heart shaped cookie cutter and cut out 12 mini hearts that will go into the inside of the vanilla cupcakes. Set aside.

Step 5 – Prepare the Cupcake Batter – Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the directions.

Step 6 – Build the Cupcake – Once the vanilla cake batter is prepared, fill a 1⁄4 of the cupcake liner with batter, place one red velvet heart cut out into the center of the cupcake batter. Continue until each cupcake has a red velvet heart. Then fill the rest of the cupcake liner with batter until 2⁄3 full.

Step 7 – Bake and Cool – Cook according to directions on the box or until a toothpick that is inserted just off center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 8 – Frost and Decorate – First, frost each cupcake with pink frosting and then top with sprinkles. Use the same heart cookie cutter as a guide to make a sprinkled heart on each cupcake.

Tips for Making the Best Heart Surprise Cupcakes

By following these tips, you’ll set the stage for a batch of flawless Valentine’s Day Surprise Cupcakes that are sure to impress.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the ingredients, especially the eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter. This simple step promotes even baking and a fluffy texture in your cupcakes.

Proper Mixing Technique: Gently mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Stop mixing as soon as there are no visible lumps, ensuring a light and airy consistency.

Make the Boxed Cake Better: Cake mix cakes can tend to be a bit dry. Make your cakes turn out a bit richer by swaping the water to milk, the oil to an equal amount of melted butter, and adding an extra egg yolk. You can also add a tsp of vanilla to the French vanilla cake mix to enhance the vanilla flavor.

Get Creative and Switch It Up: I used French Vanilla and Red Velvet Cake mixes but the following combinations would be just as tasty.

• French Vanilla Hearts, Red Velvet Cupcake
• French Vanilla Hearts, Strawberry Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Hearts, Strawberry Cupcakes
• Strawberry Hearts, Lemon Cupcakes
• Strawberry Hearts, Devil’s Food Cupcakes

Uses for the Red Velvet Cake Scraps

Don’t let all that red velvet goodness go to waste, here are some ideas to use those cake scraps.

1. Cake Pops: Transform those leftover cake scraps into delightful cake pops. Crumble the cake into fine crumbs, mix it with a bit of frosting (you can use the strawberry frosting from the recipe), and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Dip them in melted chocolate, add a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs for a touch of color, and voila – a charming batch of cake pops to enjoy or share!
2. Trifle Layers: Layer the cake scraps with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to create a quick and easy trifle. The combination of vanilla and red velvet cake layers will add a delightful texture to the trifle, making it a pretty and scrumptious dessert. It’s a fuss-free way to turn those leftovers into a show-stopping treat.
3. Cake Crumb Toppings: Don’t let those cake remnants go to waste! Toast the cake crumbs lightly in the oven until they’re golden brown and crunchy. Sprinkle them over ice cream, yogurt, or even a bowl of fresh fruit for a tasty and textured topping. It’s a simple yet effective way to repurpose the cake scraps and add a delicious twist to other desserts.

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!