Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Ideas:
- Classic Buttercream Frosting: Beat together 1 cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.
- Chocolate Ganache: Heat 1 cup heavy cream until steaming. Pour over 8 ounces of finely chopped chocolate and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over cupcakes.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes.
Tips and Tricks:
- For best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter as it can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or zest to the batter.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Now that you have the recipe and some decorating ideas, it’s time to unleash your inner baker and create some mouthwatering cupcakes! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the joy of homemade cupcakes. Happy baking!