Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with a Buttercream Frosting

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes!

It’s been so cold and snowy up here lately and baking really lifts my spirits.  After digging out from over two feet of snow last week (thank you Stella), I remembered why I moved down south.

I like making these cupcakes because they do not call for a bunch of crazy ingredients. I also added a shake of nutmeg to spice it up a bit; gives it that “fresh from the bakery” flavor. While the cupcakes were baking, I made a vanilla buttercream frosting. This is the best this frosting has come out for me. Sometimes buttercream can be a pain in the butt.

But now onto the recipes. Also, if you need a quick way to soften the butter, try holding it up to a fireplace if you have one. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes:

3/4 cups (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened

1-1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla paste or extract

2-1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2-1/2 cups flour

1-1/4 cups milk

**I added about 1/8 tsp. of nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well in between each addition.

Add the vanilla, baking powder, salt, flour, and milk. Mix just until batter forms.

Line or grease 2 cupcake pans and divide batter evenly among the cups.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Vanilla Buttercream:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening*

4 cups powdered sugar

3 tbsp milk

1 tbsp vanilla paste or extract or 1 vanilla bean

Instructions:

In a stand mixer, whisk together the butter and the shortening, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and blended.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk, whisk until smooth.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp vanilla, whisk until smooth.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk, whisk until smooth.

Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk, whisk until smooth.

Be sure to scrape down the sides as needed when mixing!

Notes:

*You can substitute butter for the shortening.

I got the cupcake recipe HERE and the frosting HERE.