Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

I love cupcakes. How could you not? Everything about them is precious. Over the past year or so I have discovered lots of creative ways to make a variety of fun cupcakes. Whether it's through flavor combination, yummy fillings, or unique designs... the possibilities just seem endless. And while trying new creations is always entertaining, every so often, you have to revisit the classics.

I made these cupcakes for our friends who were recently blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Matt and I were supposed to meet little Brady, but unfortunately plans changed that day and our visit was postponed. So we had to enjoy these tasty cupcakes on our own (in Brady's honor), and oh boy, they were good! A classic vanilla cake topped with a delightful buttercream frosting. These babies are timeless. You can dress them up for any occasion, and they are guaranteed to please a crowd. 

Ingredients

Yields 12 cupcakes

Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream

1 egg, room temperature

2 egg yolks, room temperature 

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, sour cream, egg and egg yolks, and vanilla; beat at medium speed until smooth and satiny, about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula and mix by hand until no flour pockets remain.

Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake 20-24 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

For frosting...  In a large bowl, whip butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes. Gradually add confectioners' sugar. Add vanilla, mix until incorporated. Frost cupcakes; decorate as desired.

 

Source: Brown Eyed Baker