Bow and Arrow Cupcakes Recipe
These Bow and Arrow Cupcakes are the perfect themed treat for Valentine’s Day, parties, or special occasions. With a moist cupcake base, creamy buttercream frosting, and adorable edible bow and arrow decorations, these cupcakes are fun to make and delicious to eat!
Equipment
- Cupcake Pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Piping Bags & Tips
- Cupcake Liners
- Cooling rack
- Toothpicks
- Baking Paper
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
- Optional Variations:
- Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Red Velvet: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder + 1 tsp red food coloring.
- Strawberry: Blend ½ cup fresh strawberries and fold into the batter.
- 🎯 For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Food coloring pink, red, or your choice
- 🏹 For the Bow and Arrow Decorations:
- Pretzel sticks for arrows
- Heart-shaped candies or marshmallows for arrowheads
- Candy melts or melted chocolate for securing decorations
- Mini licorice strips or fondant for bows
- Toothpicks or edible glue for assembly
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
- 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- 2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3️⃣ In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (~2 minutes).
- 4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- 6️⃣ Fill cupcake liners ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- 7️⃣ Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- 1️⃣ Beat softened butter until creamy (~2 minutes).
- 2️⃣ Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- 3️⃣ Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (1 tbsp at a time).
- 4️⃣ Mix until smooth and pipeable. Add food coloring if desired.
- Step 3: Make the Bow and Arrow Decorations
- 🏹 For the Arrows:
- 1️⃣ Break pretzel sticks in half for mini arrows.
- 2️⃣ Dip one end in melted chocolate, attach a heart-shaped candy/marshmallow.
- 3️⃣ Cut licorice/fondant into small feather-like pieces, attach to the other end.
- 🎀 For the Bows:
- 1️⃣ Shape licorice strips or fondant into small bows.
- 2️⃣ Secure with edible glue or melted chocolate.
- Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- 1️⃣ Pipe buttercream frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- 2️⃣ Gently press a pretzel arrow into each cupcake at an angle.
- 3️⃣ Place an edible bow near the arrow.
- 4️⃣ Optionally, sprinkle with edible glitter or drizzle with white chocolate.
Notes
✔️ Use a star piping tip for a professional frosting swirl.
✔️ Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before decorating.
✔️ Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
✔️ Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before decorating.
✔️ Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.