Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes


1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk


Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups. In a small bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients until well combined.


In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, stir, pour in buttermilk, stir, and then add the remaining flour. Stir until well combined.


Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.




Cream Cheese Frosting
Makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes

8 oz. light (Neufchatel) cream cheese, room temperature

5 tablespoons butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted


Beat cream cheese with butter and vanilla until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar. Continue to add more powdered sugar until you reach a consistency and sweetness that fits your taste.
Recommended: Fit a large pastry bag (around 16 inches) with a Wilton 1M tip and add icing to fill the bag about halfway full. Start the swirl from the center. As you near the outside, release pressure and press the tip against the swirl to make it look "seamless."