#ad As Valentine’s Day approaches, immerse yourself in the delightful tradition of baking and decorating with these enchanting Sweet Valentine’s Day Cupcakes. Crafted with a classic red velvet base and luscious cream cheese frosting, these treats are elevated by the whimsical charm of Brach’s iconic candies. We’re featuring the exquisite Mellowcreme® Roses, those adorable Tiny Conversation Hearts, the ever-popular Large Conversation Hearts, and a generous flourish of sprinkles!
For those who adore Brach’s sweet confections, don’t miss out on these other fantastic recipes: Indulge in our Candy Cane Frosted Cookies, savor the festive Valentine Strawberry Cream Jello Truffles, enjoy the playful Easter Jelly Bean Cookies, and get cozy with this fun Fall Snack Mix.
Valentine’s Day is a time for heartfelt gestures, and what expresses affection better than a batch of homemade, beautifully decorated cupcakes? This year, Brach’s is making those moments even sweeter. Not only have they brought back their beloved, conversation-starting heart candies, but they’ve also introduced a delightful new innovation: the Mellowcreme® Roses candy, designed to add an elegant touch to all your festive baking.
We were fortunate enough to receive Brach’s newest Valentine’s candies, and we couldn’t wait to get creative! The stunning Mellowcreme® Roses arrive in a charming assortment of red, pink, and white hues. These lovely treats offer an irresistible trio of flavors: Frosted Sugar Cookie, Strawberry Cupcake, and Valentine’s Party Punch. Each bite is a miniature celebration, delivering a burst of deliciousness that will truly delight your taste buds. They are absolutely super yummy!
The joy of Valentine’s Day is amplified by the presence of the classic Tiny Conversation Hearts and their larger counterparts, the Large Conversation Hearts. These iconic candies, also gifted by Brach’s, bring a nostalgic and fun element to any sweet creation. Of course, we were thrilled to experiment with these festive candies and share our delectable results with you!
Our canvas for these adorable decorations was a batch of classic red velvet cupcakes, crowned with a luscious, dreamy cream cheese frosting. The process was simple yet incredibly rewarding: we carefully placed these cute candies and a generous amount of sprinkles atop each frosted cupcake, transforming them into miniature edible masterpieces. The combination of the rich red velvet, tangy cream cheese, and the sweet, whimsical candies creates a truly unforgettable treat.
Brach’s Valentine candies are more than just toppings; they are an invitation to unleash your creativity! The versatility of these candies allows for endless decorating possibilities, making holiday baking an exceptionally fun and engaging activity. And naturally, no Valentine’s celebration is complete without an abundance of sprinkles, adding that extra sparkle and festive flair to every cupcake. It’s all about creating joy and sweetness!
Remember, involving the little ones in the kitchen adds an extra layer of magic to the holiday. These candies are perfect for children to decorate with, fostering their creativity and fine motor skills. Be prepared, though – some candies might mysteriously disappear during the decorating process! Those sweet little cupids just want to have fun, and honestly, so do we!
Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a loved one, baking a storm for a Valentine’s Day party, or simply craving a sweet snack to brighten your day, these charming candies and our delightful cupcakes are guaranteed to infuse your celebration with an extra touch of sweetness and love. They’re not just desserts; they’re moments of happiness in edible form.
Are you ready to discover how we transformed simple cupcakes into festive works of art using Brach’s Valentine candies? Let’s dive into the delicious details and get baking!
Essential Ingredients for Your Valentine Cupcakes
Crafting these delectable Valentine’s Day cupcakes is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create a batch of 12 or 24 perfect treats, complete with our signature cream cheese frosting and delightful Brach’s candy toppers.
For the Red Velvet Cupcakes:
- 12 or 24 Red Velvet Cupcakes: These can be prepared using your favorite red velvet cake mix (and its required ingredients) for a quick shortcut, or by following a cherished homemade red velvet cake recipe for that from-scratch taste. Ensure they are fully baked and cooled before frosting.
For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting:
Our cream cheese frosting recipe delivers a rich, tangy, and utterly smooth finish, perfectly complementing the red velvet cupcakes. For best results, ensure your dairy ingredients are softened to room temperature.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened. While 8 oz works, we find that 12 oz truly enhances the rich cream cheese flavor!
- 5 cups powdered sugar. If you opt for 8 oz of cream cheese, reduce this to 4 cups to maintain the ideal consistency and sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, for that essential aromatic sweetness.
- Optional: a small pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
For the Festive Candy Toppers:
These Brach’s candies are the stars of our Valentine’s Day cupcake decoration, offering vibrant colors and fun shapes that perfectly capture the spirit of the holiday.
- Brach’s Mellowcreme® Roses Candy: These beautiful rose-shaped candies add an elegant and delicious touch.
- Tiny Conversation Hearts: Classic and charming, these miniature hearts bring sweet messages to your treats.
- Large Conversation Hearts: For bolder statements and easier handling, these larger hearts are perfect.
- Sprinkles: Whatever kind you like! From classic nonpareils to themed heart sprinkles, choose your favorites to add sparkle and texture.
Crafting the Perfect Red Velvet Valentine Cupcakes
The foundation of our Valentine’s Day masterpiece begins with moist and tender red velvet cupcakes. Whether you choose a convenient cake mix or a beloved scratch recipe, these tips will help ensure your cupcakes are perfect for frosting.
- Prepare Your Cupcakes: Begin by making either 12 or 24 red velvet cupcakes. You can achieve this by following the instructions on a quality Red Velvet Cake Mix (plus the required ingredients) or by meticulously preparing your favorite Red Velvet Cake recipe from scratch. Ensure you don’t overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes tender. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting, as warm cupcakes will melt your beautiful cream cheese frosting.
Instructions for Making The Ultimate Cream Cheese Frosting
This cream cheese frosting is a fan favorite for its rich flavor and incredibly smooth, fluffy texture. It’s the ideal partner for our red velvet cupcakes and holds up beautifully to all the festive decorations.
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, start by beating the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then, add the softened cream cheese. Continue to mix on medium speed until the butter and cream cheese are smoothly combined and completely free of lumps. This step is crucial for a smooth frosting.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, pour in the pure vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes wonderfully fluffy, light, and smooth.
- Adjust to Desired Consistency: The perfect frosting consistency is key for easy decorating. If your frosting appears too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream, one at a time, until it reaches your desired spreadable texture. Conversely, if it’s too thin, gradually add a little more powdered sugar until it stiffens appropriately.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Now for the fun part! You can frost your cupcakes in various ways. For a professional look, fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip or round tip and pipe elegant swirls onto each cupcake. For a more rustic and charming homemade feel, simply use an offset knife or a spoon to spread the frosting generously over the tops of your cooled cupcakes.
How To Decorate Your Valentine Mellowcreme® Rose Cupcakes
These Mellowcreme® Rose cupcakes are truly a showstopper, combining elegance with delightful flavors. Here’s how to create these charming floral treats:
- Prepare Your Sprinkles: Once your cupcakes are frosted with that creamy goodness, pour your chosen sprinkles into a shallow bowl. A mix of red, pink, and white sprinkles or tiny edible pearls works beautifully to enhance the romantic theme.
- Add Sprinkles to the Sides: Gently hold each frosted cupcake and roll the sides of the frosting on the frosted cupcakes into the bowl of sprinkles. This technique ensures the sprinkles adhere perfectly to the outer edges, creating a lovely frame for your candy roses.
- Place the Mellowcreme® Roses: Carefully place 1 or 3 of the Brach’s Mellowcreme® Roses candy directly in the center of each cupcake. For an extra touch of realism and charm, you can add small green sprinkles or pipe tiny green frosting leaves/stems around the base of the roses. Voila, an elegant and easy-peasy floral design!
- (Pro Tip: While the photos show the roses added first, then sprinkles, we’ve found that applying the sprinkles to the sides first is often easier and yields a cleaner result. Feel free to experiment with both methods to find what works best for you!)
How To Decorate Your Valentine Conversation Candy Cupcakes
Bring a touch of nostalgic fun and personalized messages to your Valentine’s Day cupcakes with these classic conversation hearts. It’s a wonderfully interactive way to decorate!
- Apply Sprinkles Generously: After frosting your cupcakes, shower them with as many sprinkles as your heart desires. A festive mix of Valentine-themed sprinkles or contrasting colors will make the conversation hearts truly pop.
- Arrange the Conversation Hearts: Now it’s time for the stars of the show! Take your small and/or large Valentine conversation hearts and arrange them on top of the frosting. You can stick them upright, lay them flat, create patterns, or simply scatter them randomly for a playful look. Mix sizes for added visual interest. The sweet messages on each heart will add a personalized and endearing touch to your delightful creations.
Customizing Your Cupcake Creations
While we absolutely adore these Red Velvet Valentine Cupcakes with our ultimate homemade cream cheese frosting, the beauty of baking lies in its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to personalize these treats to suit your taste or simplify the process!
For a fantastic shortcut without compromising on flavor, you could easily frost your cooled red velvet cupcakes with a good quality store-bought cream cheese frosting. This saves valuable time in the kitchen, making these delightful cupcakes even more accessible for busy bakers.
Feeling adventurous with color? Add a few drops or a tiny bit of food coloring gel to your frosting to transform it into a pretty pastel shade or a bold, vivid hue. Pink, light red, or even lavender would be absolutely stunning for Valentine’s Day. Mix and match colors for a playful variety! The sky’s truly the limit when it comes to creative customization.
Tips for Storing Your Valentine Cupcakes
To ensure your beautiful Valentine cupcakes remain as fresh and delicious as the day you made them, proper storage is key. Here are our recommendations:
Store your frosted cupcakes in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 hours at room temperature. For longer storage, especially with cream cheese frosting, transfer them to the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Remember to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is perfectly soft and creamy.
Why These Valentine’s Day Cupcakes Are a Must-Make
These Brach’s Valentine’s Day Cupcakes aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. They combine the classic appeal of red velvet with the irresistible tang of cream cheese frosting, all brought to life with fun and festive candies. They are perfect for:
- Homemade Gifts: Present a box of these beautifully decorated cupcakes to friends, family, or colleagues for a thoughtful, edible token of affection.
- Party Treats: Whether it’s a school party, a casual get-together, or a romantic dinner, these cupcakes will be the star of the dessert table.
- Family Fun: Get the whole family involved in baking and decorating. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and celebrate together.
- Boosting Spirits: A delicious, homemade sweet treat is a simple yet effective way to brighten anyone’s day, especially during the season of love.
Indulge in the sweetest seasonal treats while they last! BRACH’S Mellowcreme® Roses candies, Tiny Conversation Hearts, Large Conversation Hearts, and other delightful confections are now stocked on shelves at retailers nationwide. Don’t wait too long to pluck these delectable candies, as they’re perfect for all your Valentine’s Day baking and snacking needs. Make this holiday extra special and share the love, one sweet bite at a time!
Share this amazing recipe and your beautiful creations on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook! We love seeing your baking adventures!
More Valentine’s Day Fun from Our Kitchen!
Looking for even more ways to celebrate love with delicious treats? Explore these other fantastic Valentine’s Day recipes, perfect for sharing with someone special:
- Valentine Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts
- How to Make a Heart-Shaped Valentine’s Day Cake
- Valentine Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing
- Decadent White Chocolate Truffles
- 50 Delightful Cherry Desserts
- Chewy Valentine’s Day M&M Cookies
Valentine Cupcakes with Brach’s Candies
Kim Lange
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients You Need for Valentine Cupcakes
- 12 or 24 Red Velvet Cupcakes baked ready to frost- Bake cupcakes with a Red Velvet Cake Mix + Ingredients or by preparing your favorite Red Velvet Cake recipe.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 12 oz cream cheese softened (can also use 8 oz cream cheese, but we love more cream cheese flavor!)
- 5 cups powdered sugar use 4 cups of powdered sugar if making with 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
Candy Toppers
- Brach’s Mellowcreme® Roses Candy
- Tiny Conversation Hearts
- Large Conversation Hearts
- Sprinkles whatever kind you like
Instructions
How to Make The Red Velvet Valentine Cupcakes
- Make 12 or 24 cupcakes either by baking up your cupcakes with a Red Velvet Cake Mix + Ingredients or by preparing your favorite Red Velvet Cake recipe.
Instructions How to Make The Ultimate Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the butter and and then add the cream cheese and mix together with an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Adjust to Desired Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Frost the cupcakes however you like, either by filling a pastry bag with frosting using a star tip or round tip to pipe onto the cupcakes or frost them with an offset knife.
How To Decorate The Valentine Mellowcreme® Rose Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are frosted, pour some sprinkles in a bowl.
- Roll the sides of the frosting on the frosted cupcakes so the sprinkles stick to the outer edges.
- Add 1 or 3 of the candy roses in the center. You can add some leaves or stems as well. Voila, easy-peasy!
- (In the photos, I added the roses first, then did the sprinkles on the side, you can do it either way, but doing the sprinkles first is easier.)
How To Decorate The Valentine Conversation Candy Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are frosted, add sprinkles to your cupcakes, as many as you like.
- Then add as many small and/or large Valentine conversation hearts, either by sticking them on top of frosting or arranging them around the edges.
