Cupid's Cups

Cupid's Cups Recipe: A Delicious Dessert with Chocolate, Strawberries, and Cool Whip

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cupid's Cups are a delightful and festive dessert perfect for Valentine's Day. These sweet treats are not only delicious but also fun to make and enjoy with loved ones.

History

Cupid's Cups are a modern twist on traditional gelatin desserts, with a Valentine's Day theme. The combination of creamy whipped topping and fruity gelatin makes for a light and refreshing dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1 square of Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
2 cups of boiling water, divided
2 packages (4-serving size each) of jell-o brand strawberry flavor gelatin
1.5 cups of cold water, divided
ice cubes
1 cup of thawed cool whip whipped topping
assorted Valentine sprinkles and candies

How to prepare

Draw a heart design or write a Valentine's Day message in each of eight (6 oz (170 g)) clear plastic cups by piping melted chocolate onto the inside of each cup.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
Stir 1 cup of boiling water into 1 package of the dry gelatin mix in a medium bowl for at least 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
Stir in 1 cup of cold water and pour evenly into the prepared cups.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or until the gelatin is firm.
Meanwhile, stir the remaining 1 cup of boiling water into the remaining package of dry gelatin mix in a medium bowl for at least 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
Add enough ice to the remaining 0.5 cup of cold water to measure 1 cup.
Add the ice water to the gelatin and stir until thickened.
Stir in the whipped topping with a wire whisk until well blended.
Spoon into the prepared cups.
Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
Decorate with sprinkles.
Store leftover desserts in the refrigerator.

How to Melt Chocolate

Microwave the chocolate in a microwaveable bowl on high for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds (the square will retain its shape).
Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.

Variations

You can customize Cupid's Cups by using different flavors of gelatin or adding fresh fruit to the whipped topping mixture. You can also experiment with different designs and decorations using the melted chocolate.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When piping the melted chocolate into the cups, make sure to work quickly to create your desired designs before the chocolate sets. You can also use a toothpick to swirl the chocolate for a marbled effect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cupid's Cups chilled as a refreshing dessert after a romantic dinner. You can also top them with additional whipped topping and sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Cupid's Cups include melting chocolate, preparing gelatin mixtures, and layering the different components in the cups.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate, you can use any other type of chocolate for piping. You can also use sugar-free gelatin and light whipped topping for a lower-calorie version of this dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chocolate designs and gelatin mixtures ahead of time and assemble the cups just before serving. Cupid's Cups can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cupid's Cups in clear plastic cups to showcase the layers and designs. You can also garnish them with fresh berries or heart-shaped candies for an extra special presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cupid's Cups pair well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a romantic Valentine's Day celebration.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cupid's Cups in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cupid's Cups contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cupid's Cups contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cupid's Cups contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cupid's Cups contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cupid's Cups are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Cupid's Cups contain dairy and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Cupid's Cups are a light and sweet dessert option that is relatively low in calories and fats.

Summary

Cupid's Cups are a fun and festive dessert that is perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day. With their creamy texture and sweet flavors, these delightful treats are sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young woman starting out in the kitchen. I had always loved to cook, but I had never tried my hand at making desserts. That all changed when I stumbled upon a faded recipe card for Cupid's Cups tucked away in an old cookbook at a yard sale.

I remember the excitement I felt as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for a rich chocolate cake batter, which was then baked in individual ramekins and topped with a luscious raspberry coulis. It sounded absolutely divine, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I rushed home from the yard sale, eager to start baking. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work. Mixing the batter was a labor of love, as I carefully followed the instructions on the recipe card. The scent of chocolate filled the air as the cupcakes baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the cupcakes were finally done, I let them cool before spooning the raspberry coulis on top. The bright red sauce contrasted beautifully with the rich chocolate cake, creating a stunning presentation. I took a bite and was immediately transported to dessert heaven. The combination of flavors was perfect – sweet and tangy, with a hint of bitterness from the dark chocolate.

I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special with this recipe. I made Cupid's Cups for every special occasion after that – birthdays, holidays, and even just because. Each time I made them, they were met with rave reviews from family and friends. They became my signature dessert, and I was proud to share them with anyone who would try them.

As the years went by, I continued to make Cupid's Cups, honing my skills in the kitchen and perfecting the recipe. I added my own twist to it, experimenting with different types of chocolate and trying out new flavor combinations for the coulis. Each batch was a labor of love, a way for me to express my creativity and passion for cooking.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in the kitchen while I was making a batch of Cupid's Cups. She watched me intently as I worked, asking me questions about the recipe and how I had learned to make it. I smiled as I shared the story of how I had found the recipe all those years ago, and how it had become a beloved tradition in our family.

I could see the spark of curiosity in her eyes as she listened to me talk about the joys of cooking and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. I knew then that I had passed on a love of food and cooking to her, just as my own grandmother had done for me.

As we sat down to enjoy the cupcakes together, I felt a sense of pride and contentment. The recipe for Cupid's Cups had brought us together, bridging the generations and creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. And as I looked at my granddaughter's smiling face, I knew that the legacy of this special recipe would continue on for years to come.