Cupcakes Recipe
Make Cupcakes Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cake Batter
Simple Buttercream Frosting
Optional
Method
Cake Batter
- 1
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- 3
Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- 4
- 5
Combine wet and dry
With the mixer on low, add one-third of the dry flour mixture, then half of the milk (1/4 cup) and half of the vegetable oil (about 2 tbsp). Repeat with another third of the dry, the remaining milk and oil, and finish with the last third of flour. Mix each addition just until combined; do not overmix.
- 6
Portion batter
Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- 7
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even coloring.
- 8
Cool
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely (about 30–40 minutes) before frosting.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
- 9
Beat butter
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- 10
- 11
Adjust texture and flavor
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk), and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add additional cream 1 teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar.
- 12
Color and pipe (optional)
If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix until color is even. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip or use a knife to spread. Pipe or spread onto completely cooled cupcakes. Top with sprinkles if desired.