Classic Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• •1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• •1/4 teaspoon salt
• •1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• •1 cup granulated sugar
• •2 large eggs
• •2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• •1/2 cup whole milk
• •1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• •3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
• •2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• •2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. 4

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

6. 6

   Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. 7

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. 8

   Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. 9

   To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until creamy.

10. 10

    Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.

11. 11

    Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

12. 12

    Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto the cupcakes.