Beautiful and delicious, Rose Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. These charming treats feature moist vanilla cupcakes topped with stunning buttercream roses. Not only do they look elegant, but they also deliver a delightful burst of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or simply want to impress friends at a gathering, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes
- For the Buttercream Frosting
- For Garnish
- How to Make Rose Cupcakes
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
- Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- Step 8: Pipe the Roses
- How to Serve Rose Cupcakes
- For Special Occasions
- As Part of a Dessert Table
- With Coffee or Tea
- How to Perfect Rose Cupcakes
- Best Side Dishes for Rose Cupcakes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Rose Cupcakes
- Reheating Rose Cupcakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make rose cupcakes?
- What is the best way to frost a rose cupcake?
- Can I customize my rose cupcakes?
- How do I store leftover rose cupcakes?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning Presentation: The beautiful buttercream roses make these cupcakes a showstopper at any event.
- Delicious Flavor: Moist vanilla cupcakes paired with creamy frosting create an irresistible treat.
- Versatile Design: Customize the color of your icing to match any theme or occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master these cupcakes.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or gatherings, these cupcakes are easy to transport and serve.
Tools and Preparation
To create your beautiful Rose Cupcakes, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Piping bags and tips
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ensures ingredients are mixed thoroughly without much effort on your part.
- Piping bags and tips: Essential for creating those gorgeous buttercream roses that elevate your cupcakes.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tsps vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 pound unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 drop pink food coloring (a very small drop)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Rose Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
* 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/4 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp baking powder
Whisk together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, beat together:
* 3/4 cup salted butter (room temperature)
Add in the dry mixture gradually while mixing until it’s light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the butter-sugar mix, add:
* 3 eggs
* 3 tsps vanilla extract
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup milk
Gradually add this mixture to your batter while mixing gently until smooth.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat:
* 1 pound unsalted butter (room temperature)
Add:
* 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
Continue mixing while gradually adding:
* 1/2 cup cream
Finally, add:
* A drop of pink food coloring
Beat until fluffy and well combined.
Step 8: Pipe the Roses
Fill your piping bag fitted with a rose tip with the prepared frosting. Pipe beautiful rose designs on top of each cooled cupcake.
Your stunning Rose Cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Rose Cupcakes
Rose cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be served on various occasions. Whether for a birthday party, a wedding, or a simple afternoon tea, these charming cupcakes will impress your guests with their beauty and flavor.
For Special Occasions
- Weddings: Decorate the cupcake tower with rose cupcakes for an elegant dessert display.
- Birthdays: Personalize each cupcake with a birthday message or themed decorations.
- Anniversaries: Serve rose cupcakes as a romantic touch alongside champagne.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Dessert Buffets: Include rose cupcakes among other sweets like cookies and brownies for variety.
- Tea Parties: Pair the cupcakes with tea selections to enhance the experience.
- Picnics: Pack rose cupcakes in individual containers for an easy and charming picnic dessert.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee Pairing: The sweetness of rose cupcakes complements black coffee perfectly.
- Tea Pairing: Herbal teas, especially those with floral notes, create a lovely balance with the cupcakes.
How to Perfect Rose Cupcakes
Creating perfect rose cupcakes requires attention to detail and some essential techniques. Here are tips to help you achieve frosting perfection.
- Bold Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Bold Use Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add confectioners’ sugar to avoid clumps and ensure silky icing.
- Bold Practice Piping Techniques: Spend time practicing your piping skills on parchment paper before frosting the actual cupcakes.
- Bold Color Control: When adding food coloring, start with just one drop; you can always add more if needed.
- Bold Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; warm cupcakes can cause melting frosting.
- Bold Store Properly: Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Rose Cupcakes
Rose cupcakes make for a stunning dessert option that pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some delightful ideas to complement your serving.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like brie and cheddar for a savory contrast against the sweet flavors.
- Mini Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches filled with cucumber or smoked salmon provide a savory bite that complements dessert beautifully.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats are perfect for pairing with rose cupcakes at special events.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages that cleanse the palate between bites of sweet treats.
- Nut Mixes: A selection of spiced nuts offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making rose cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can result in dense cupcakes. Blend just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the icing to melt. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before decorating with buttercream roses.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Using Old Baking Powder or Soda: Expired leavening agents won’t help your cupcakes rise. Always check expiration dates before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store rose cupcakes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep them separate from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing Rose Cupcakes
- Place cooled cupcakes in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before freezing for best results.
Reheating Rose Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cupcakes for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cupcake for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a pan over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make rose cupcakes?
To make rose cupcakes, prepare your vanilla cupcake batter, bake them, and then top with beautifully piped buttercream roses.
What is the best way to frost a rose cupcake?
Start by using a piping bag fitted with a petal tip. Pipe the outer edge of the cupcake first and work your way inward to form petals.
Can I customize my rose cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can tint your buttercream with different colors or flavor it with extracts like almond or lemon for unique variations.
How do I store leftover rose cupcakes?
Store leftover rose cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These rose cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also deliciously moist and sweet. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and designs, making them perfect for any occasion. From birthdays to weddings, these treats are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate; try making these delightful rose cupcakes today!
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Rose Cupcakes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in the elegance of Rose Cupcakes, a delightful dessert that combines beauty with flavor. These moist vanilla cupcakes are beautifully topped with luscious buttercream roses, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion—from birthdays and weddings to casual gatherings. With their customizable colors and simple preparation steps, even novice bakers can impress friends and family alike. Enjoy a burst of sweet vanilla flavor paired with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them at special events or simply as a sweet treat at home, these Rose Cupcakes are sure to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pound unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 8 cups confectioners' sugar
- Pink food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and gradually add the dry mixture until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine sour cream and milk in another bowl; add to batter until smooth.
- Fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 20–25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat room temperature unsalted butter; gradually add confectioners' sugar and cream until fluffy. Tint with pink food coloring.
- Pipe rose designs on each cupcake using a piping bag.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg