Mini cupcakes easy-to-make treat

Date: 2/7/2011

(Family Features) Looking for a yummy, unique way to say, "Happy Valentine's Day"? Beautiful, bite-sized, heart-shaped cakes offer a delicious solution.

Whether for your sweetheart, friends or family, or perhaps a special dessert for a romantic dinner, these tiny treats from the Wilton Test Kitchen will delight.

Enrobed in pastel icing, decorated with shimmering matching sugar pearls, these little gems are a cinch to make. Use a cake mix for convenience and bake in a petite heart-shaped silicone mold. Cakes pop right out of the mold after cooling — and the silicone is super easy to clean after baking.

Icing the hearts couldn't be simpler, even though it might appear that you need an expert hand. The secret? Ready-to-use decorator icing in a can.

Microwave the icing — in the can, one can at a time — until it reaches pouring consistency, and tint with pastel icing colors. Pour over the cooled cakes to cover tops and sides, then arrange pearls on top. Perfect, Petite Pastel Hearts look bakery beautiful, but are lovingly homemade. How special is that?

For more sensational ideas for Valentine's Day or other celebrations, visit www.wilton.com.