January is always a tough month. It’s cold, you have to go back to a normal routine after the holidays, but worst of all…there are no themes to be celebrated.
February would be a similar situation if it weren’t for the oh so wonderful holiday of Valentine’s Day. I’m that girl who loves Valentine’s Day, whether I have a special someone to share it with or not! But I love just about any reason to embrace (cheesy) themes, if we’re being honest…
Even if you don’t like Valentine’s Day, you can at least use it as an excuse to treat yourself. So whether you want to make a little something sweet for your guy, your friends, or yourself (I won’t judge), these cute heart-shaped Valentine’s Day Cake Batter Cupcakes are a perfect little gift.
inspired by my original Cake Batter Blondies
yields 10-12 cupcakes
ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix (I always use Betty Crocker)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg, beaten
1/4 – 1/2 cup milk *
1/4 cup red & pink sprinkles
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
frosting of choice (strawberry is fun because it’s pink!)
directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill cupcake pan with cupcake liners + nonstick spray.
Place cake mix in a large bowl, set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and oil.
Add wet mixture to the cake mix and combine as much as possible, then add the milk.
* Add as little milk as possible to just get the batter to come together. You want it to be THICK – almost like a cookie dough.
Mix in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips.
Place batter in lined cupcake pan, 2/3 of the way full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or just until the tops turn golden. **
Let cool for 20-30 minutes, then add the frosting. Decorate with sprinkles of your choice!
** Don’t be tempted to over-bake!!! That will result in a drier cakelike texture, not the ooey-gooeyness we’re going for!
You can use a regular cupcake pan/liners, but I couldn’t help but go for the heart-shaped look. I found these reusable silicone ones at Michael’s.
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Do you like Valentine’s Day? Any special plans this year? 
