Cupcakes
are delightful miniature cakes that bring joy to people of all ages. These single-serving treats are loved for their versatility, making them perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply as a sweet snack. Cupcakes come in various flavors and can be decorated in countless creative ways, allowing you to express your culinary creativity. Below, you'll find two cupcake recipes: one for classic vanilla cupcakes.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- - 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 4 cups powdered sugar
- - 1/4 cup whole milk
- - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- - Food coloring (optional)
- - Sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cupcakes:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Cool:
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
9. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
10. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
11. Color the Frosting (Optional): If you'd like to tint the frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until well combined.
Frost and Decorate:
12. Frost Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost them with the buttercream frosting.
13. Decorate:
Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
14. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve your classic vanilla cupcakes and enjoy!

