Public Lives: Sequins Are A Girls Best Friend | Secret Recipes: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

If you haven't already checked out Sequins Are A Girls Best Friend I strongly encourage you to do so. The two lovely ladies behind the site, Kelsey & Erica, have a magical way of making reality ever-so glamourous. From their adorable looks for less to their delicious recipes, their site is not to be missed. This week on Public Lives, Secret Recipes, Kelsey & Erica took over to create a delicious Valentine's Day cupcake!

Ingredients:

for the cupcakes:
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp vanilla extract

for the frosting:
1 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
pinch of salt
powdered sugar, for topping

Supplies:

electric mixer
serrated knife
frosting bags
cupcake liners
cupcake tray
heart cookie cutter
knife
toothpicks
measuring cup

for the cupcakes:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line cupcake tray with liners.

Step 2:

In electric mixer bowl, beat together all ingredients at medium speed. 

Step 3:

Fill liners with mixture until just over 3/4 full.

Step 4:

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Recipe Source -- Hershey’s

for the frosting:

Step 1:

With electric mixer, beat butter until smooth.

Step 2:

Add 2 cups of powdered sugar & 4 tbsp of maraschino cherry juice. Mix.

Step 3:

Add the remaining powdered sugar & chopped maraschino cherries. Beat until fully combined.

to assemble:

Step 1:

Using a serrated knife, cut off the top of the cupcake.

Step 2:

Cut a heart shape out of the top with a cookie cutter.

Step 3:

Spread frosting onto the cupcake base & place cutout top back onto cupcake. 

Step 4:

Sprinkle with powdered sugar & enjoy!

Shop These Looks: 

Erica: Sweater | Jeans | Watch | Heels

Kelsey: Sweater | Necklace | Jeans | Heels
Home: Love Letters | Heart Garland | Oven Mitt