It’s that time of year again! Reds and pinks fill the aisles along with various sugary treats. I always fill compelled to make something festive for the occasion, because I much prefer homemade goodies to store-bought candy (though I do appreciate the nostalgia of conversation hearts!)

These cupcakes aren’t necessarily a Valentine’s Day recipe, but they are a lovely purplish-pink color, so it works! But these would be wonderful any time of year. My wonderful Aunt Amy shared this recipe with me!

Blackberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 bag frozen blackberries (12-16 ounces)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 small box blackberry jello (what I found was called blackberry fusion)

Cream cheese frosting

• 1 lb box confectioner’s sugar
• 8 oz block of cream cheese
• 1/2 stick of butter (4 Tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Note: You could probably do different kinds of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries or even a mixed berry combination!

Recipe Directions

Thaw the blackberries. I moved mine from the freezer to the fridge a few hours before I made the cupcakes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all the cake ingredients (cake mix, berries, sugar, eggs, oil, and jello) in a mixing bowl. Mix with a blender for about 2-3 minutes.

Pour into your cupcake pan – it should make about 24 cupcakes. As an alternative, you could make this into a 9×13 pan of use three 8-inch rounds for a layered cake.

Bake for 20-24 minutes. (If you’re doing a cake, bake for about 35 minutes). While baking, you can make the frosting. Soften the cream cheese and butter. Mix together with vanilla for 30 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

After the cupcakes are done, let them cool completely before frosting. If you’re really creative, you could always decorate them or add some fun sprinkles! Or even add food coloring and make the icing pink! Unfortunately, we didn’t have anything to decorate ours with, but our mouths didn’t care! These were delicious!

We give these cupcakes 4.5 out of 5 herbs! They are moist and flavorful, and the icing is to-die-for! Your Valentine will love them

What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? Do you make any special treats for your Valentine?