The Best Cupcake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.

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

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Beat in the vanilla extract.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.

8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.

4. Gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

5. If desired, add food coloring and mix until well combined.

6. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with the buttercream frosting using a piping bag or offset spatula.

Nutrition:

Calories: 375 per cupcake

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Cholesterol: 85mg

Sodium: 160mg

Total Carbohydrates: 51g

Dietary Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 40g

Protein: 3g

Enjoy your delicious homemade cupcakes!