Pink Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Delight in these irresistibly soft and moist Pink Velvet Cupcakes topped with a rich and creamy Vanilla Bean Frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, these cupcakes combine classic flavors with a vibrant pink hue, enhanced by a hint of almond extract and a luscious homemade frosting bursting with vanilla bean goodness.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cupcake Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2–3 drops pink food coloring
Vanilla Bean Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, making the cupcakes soft.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
- Add Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes moist and tender.
- Add Sour Cream and Food Coloring: Gently fold in the sour cream and pink food coloring until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting: Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Add the vanilla bean seeds or paste, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat for an additional 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Decorate: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and swirl onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, top with sprinkles or edible pearls for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Use high-quality vanilla beans or paste for the best flavor in frosting.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze without frosting for up to 1 month.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frosting
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Pink velvet cupcakes, vanilla bean frosting, homemade cupcakes, pink cupcakes, dessert recipes, birthday cupcakes