Mother's Day Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream

This Mother’s Day, treat someone special (or yourself!) to these beautifully soft and fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream. They’re light and airy, cute and feminine, and topped with a delicate swirl of naturally colored pink frosting — perfect for celebrating the love and sweetness of moms everywhere. The tender crumb and fragrant vanilla base paired with a luscious, creamy buttercream make these cupcakes feel extra special, yet they’re simple enough for a beginner baker to tackle with ease.

Whether you’re baking for a brunch, gifting a box of homemade treats, or just adding something sweet to your Mother’s Day celebration, these cupcakes will be the highlight of the day. The rose-hued frosting brings a stunning floral touch, while the rich vanilla flavor and soft texture make them irresistible. You can also use this recipe as a base to customize with your favorite fillings, toppings, or even different buttercream flavors. The only downside to making these rose petal cupcakes is that your mother may tell you that they are too pretty to eat.

Why You'll Love these Mother's Day Vanilla Cupcakes

• Beautiful Mother's Day cupcakes. These cupcakes are the perfect treat for Mother's Day or for any special occasion such as bridal showers, baby showers, Valentine's Day, birthdays... I could go on. The soft pink hue and delicate swirl of buttercream make these cupcakes look extra special — perfect for celebrating someone you love. Add edible flowers or sprinkles for an even more eye-catching presentation.
• Soft and tender crumb. These cupcakes bake up with a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. The crumb is delicate yet holds together beautifully, making each bite a delight. It’s the kind of cupcake that feels bakery-quality, but made right at home.
• Easy to make. With basic pantry staples and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are totally manageable for beginner bakers. No advanced decorating skills needed—just a swirl of frosting and a little love go a long way.
• Classic vanilla flavor. These cupcakes and their vanilla buttercream both have a timeless vanilla flavor that’s comforting, nostalgic, and universally loved.
• Simple but special. Despite their stunning appearance, these cupcakes are easy to make with just a few steps and no fancy equipment. The vanilla and rose petal-inspired frosting elevates them just enough to make any occasion feel a little more magical.

Ingredients Notes

To make these pretty Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream Frosting, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• all-purpose flour - gives the cupcakes structure. Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measuring. Substitute: gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed.
• baking powder - helps the cupcakes rise. Ensure it’s fresh for the best lift.
• salt - enhances all the flavors.
• unsalted butter - provides rich flavor and tenderness. Make sure it’s softened. You can also substitute with salted butter, but then reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• granulated sugar - for sweetness and structure.
• eggs - add structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
• vanilla extract - gives these cupcakes their signature warm, fragrant flavor. Use pure extract for best results.
• milk - adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft. Use any dairy or non-dairy milk.
• buttercream icing - made with unsalted butter, vanilla extract, confectioner's sugar, milk, and food coloring. The pink food coloring is optional, but adds the rose-like hue for a festive Mother’s Day finish.

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

• measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale)
• mixing bowls
• electric mixer
• 12-cup muffin tin
• cupcake liners
• 2D star piping tip
• piping bag

How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing for Mother's Day

First, make the vanilla cupcakes.

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.

2. Combine wet ingredients. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add in vanilla and continue to beat together.

3. Add dry to wet. Add ⅓ of the dry mixture into the batter, then beat to combine. Add in half the milk, and beat again to combine. Continue alternating adding and beating the dry mixture and milk, finishing with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. 

4. Bake. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoons to scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Place into a 350F preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 

5. Cool. Let cool for 5-10 minutes in the muffin tray. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before frosting.

Next, make the buttercream frosting.

1. Beat butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and use an electric mixer to beat on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the butter looks fluffy and pale. Add in confectioners' sugar gradually, mixing on medium speed until combined.

2. Add remaining ingredients. Add vanilla, milk, and food colouring and continue to mix together until light and fluffy, another 1-2 minutes. If using liquid food colouring, you may need to add a little more sugar to get the right consistency. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth until you are ready to use the frosting.

How to Frost a Rose Petal Cupcake

So, the million dollar question is: how do you frost gorgeous rose petals on these cupcakes? Well, luckily you don't have to be a professional pastry chef to create professional-looking cupcakes because it is not as complicated as it looks. Here's how you do it:

1. Secure a 2D piping tip onto a piping bag, and fill the bag with the frosting.

2. In the middle of the cupcake, pipe a small amount of icing.
3. Without lifting your piping bag, slowly work your way around, counter-clockwise, until you reach the outer edge of the cupcake. Make sure you use a lot of pressure to get the icing out consistently.
4. Repeat these steps with the all the cupcakes.

Frosting a rose on a cupcake can be done in literally a few seconds! If you are a beginner, take it slow on the first or second cupcake, until you get the hang of the swirl technique. You've got this!

How to Serve

This cute Mother's Day cupcakes are delicious served on its own as a sweet treat for mom, or served as part of a larger dessert spread with some other cute desserts including:

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Madeleines
• Red Velvet Macarons
• Crepe Cake
• Palmiers
• Fresh Fruit Tart

For more recipes, see our 40 Mother's Day Dessert Recipes.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store unfrosted or frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving.

How to Freeze

Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost. Frosted cupcakes can also be frozen—freeze uncovered until solid, then wrap and store. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let come to room temperature before serving.

More Mother's Day Recipes

• Easy Mother's Day Brunch Menu
• 60 Best Mother's Day Recipes
• 30 Mother's Day Dinner Ideas
• 40 Mother's Day Dessert Recipes

Print

Recipe