Valentine's Day Treats: Surprise Cupcakes and Red Heart Rice Krispy Treats

Last week, I shared two Valentine's Day treats I made for Little Chica's preschool class.  Both treats were pins I found on Pinterest (and there are, like, a ton more to choose from).  The class LOVED the treats, and I am really glad I challenged myself to try something new!

Today I will share with you two treats I will be making for Hubby tomorrow.  Since he rarely peruses this blog, I think the secret is safe. One of the recipes is a repost 3 years ago, Surprise Cupcakes.  I make these cupcakes for Hubs every year.  The other is a not-so-original idea that sprung in my brain that I will conjure up tomorrow. 

First things first:  Surprise Cupcakes.  As I shared in the original post, these cupcakes were made by my mom annually for my dad while they were married.  They are a delectably moist and deeply rich cupcake with a creamy filling.  Anyone who has them will want more! While they may not be traditionally "Valentiney," they will always be a Valentine's treat to me!

(Preheat oven to 375)

Cupcakes:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 lb melted butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder mixed with a little bit of cold water (so it is a creamy consistency)
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup warm water

"Surprise" Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• dash of salt
• 12 oz package of chocolate chips

In large bowl, combine the cupcake ingredients in the above order. Insert cupcake liners into cupcake pan. Fill each cupcake 1/3 full with the cupcake batter.

In a smaller bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add egg and salt. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop one teaspoon of Filling mixture into each cupcake .

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

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I also had the idea to make red heart-shaped Rice Krispy treats. I know, it's not original. I'm sure it's been done before.  But it occurred to me recently, and I thought I'd give it a try.  Here is how I plan to make them:

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows - OR - 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispy cereal
• 3-5 drops of red food coloring
• (OPTIONAL for color and pizazz) Valentine-themed M&M's OR dried cranberries and white chocolate chips

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add 3-5 drops of red food coloring to the marshmallows. Stir until completely incorporated.

3. Add Rice Krispy Cereal. Stir until well coated. If you are using Craisins and/or white chocolate chips, add them now.

4. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. 

5. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart-shaped bars. Best if served the same day.

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I think adding the white chocolate chips and craisins will look SUPER cute, but I also think the red coloring and heart shapes will be just as festive. I opted for the Valentine's colored M&M's (they come in pink, red and white).  If you're devilish, throw in some Red Hots cinnamon candies!  Yowsa!

My plan is to prepare ahead tonight (hopefully in a discreet way that will not tip off Hubby) and quickly crank out these treats tomorrow morning and drop them off at the school where he teaches as a surprise!


Which he will either think is really cool or really lame. 

We shall see.

I hope you a inspired to whip up a few tasty Valentine's Day treats of your own. And I would love to hear what you'll be making for your Special Someone(s) tomorrow - so be sure to share!