Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla Cake

(Recipe found from the book 500 Cupcakes) 

2 sticks butter

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

Step 1: Mix the first four ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Whisk the next three ingredients together in a separate bowl. 

Step 3: Slowly add half of the dry ingredients into the mixture from step 1 and mix until combined. Now add in half of the buttermilk. Repeat until all of the dry ingredients and buttermilk are used. 

Step 4: Place in cupcake liners, bake at 350 for 20 minutes. 

Makes 23 cupcakes

Buttercream Frosting

(Wilton recipe)

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

1 stick of butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbsp. milk

4 cups confectioners sugar

Step 1: Mix the first four ingredients together on medium speed. Slowly add in the confectioners sugar. 

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

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Chocolate cupcakes

Here's where I found them

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup of very strong brewed coffee, cooled
3 large eggs
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 1: In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl mix the oil, coffee, and eggs. Beat at medium speed until smooth, slowly blend in the dry ingredients, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla.

Step 2: Place in cupcake liners and bake at 350 for 20-23 minutes.

Chocolate Frosting

(Martha Stewart) 

1/4 cup plus 2 tbl spoons cocoa powder

1/4 cup plus 2 tbl spoons warm water

Pinch of salt

2 sticks unsalted butter

1 pound melted chocolate

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Step 1: Mix the warm water and cocoa powder in a small bowl.

Step 2: In a separate bowl mix together the butter, salt and sugar. Add in the melted chocolate and mixture from step 1. Blend together until smooth.