Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients :

Cupcakes :

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting :

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions :

1. Preheat Oven :

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter :

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside.

• In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Cupcakes :

• Evenly divide the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each liner about ⅔ full.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting :

• In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter until smooth.

• Gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

• Add 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

• If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

5. Frost the Cupcakes :

• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost them with the buttercream.

• Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or other toppings of your choice.

6. Serve :

• Enjoy your cupcakes fresh, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.