Hidden Heart Surprise Cupcakes

Ingredients

• Vanilla cake mix - 1 whole
• Red gel coloring
• Small heart cutter
• Cupcake liners
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• All-purpose flour
• Buttercream icing (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle so the cake bakes evenly.
2. 2Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the back of the box, using the eggs, water, and oil it calls for.
3. 3Scoop out 2 cups of the prepared white cake batter into a separate bowl and stir in red gel coloring drop by drop until you reach a bright red color.
4. 4Grease a small square (8-inch) cake pan with vegetable oil and dust it lightly with all-purpose flour so the cake releases cleanly.
5. 5Pour the red batter into the prepared pan and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air pockets.
6. 6Bake the red cake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it is done.
7. 7Let the red cake cool completely, then use the small heart cutter to cut out about 8 hearts and set them aside.
8. 8Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and spoon 1 tbsp. of the white cake batter into the bottom of each liner.
9. 9Press a red heart into the center of each cup, flat side facing forward, then spoon two more tbsp. of white batter over the heart slowly so it is fully covered.
10. 10Bake the cupcakes at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
11. 11Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating; if you like, frost them with buttercream icing.
12. 12Cut a cupcake in half to reveal the little red heart inside and delight your guests with the surprise.