Surprise Raspberry Heart Cupcakes

From MCCORMICK

Makes 12 servings

These vanilla hidden heart cupcakes are the ultimate photo-worthy treats! Substitute the raspberry extract for any flavor of your liking for added variety…perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any sweet occasion.

INGREDIENTS

1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons MCCORMICK Raspberry Extract With Other Natural Flavors, divided

24 drops MCCORMICK Red Food Color

2 teaspoons MCCORMICK All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

5 tablespoons heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cake mix as directed on package. Remove 1 1/2 cups of the batter to medium bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the raspberry flavor and red food color. Pour into greased 8” square baking pan. Reserve remaining batter.

2.Bake 12 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Cut out 12 heart shapes with 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Set aside.

3.Stir vanilla into reserved batter. Pour 1/2 off the batter evenly into 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Press 1 cake heart vertically into center of each muffin cup. Pour remaining batter over top. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until top of cupcake is set. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.

4.Meanwhile, beat butter and remaining 2 teaspoons raspberry flavor in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, alternately with cream, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Frost cooled cupcakes with frosting.

TIP: For easier measurement, 1/4 teaspoon Food Color = 20 to 25 drops.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at mccormick.com