Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting (5/11/09)
Out of 3 recipes I made today, this was the only one that turned out the way it was supposed to. Of course it turned out so well that I just had to share it!


Cupcakes
You will need:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup whole milk

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

2. In a large bowl mix together butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg is added.

4. Mix in vanilla.

5. Alternate mixing in milk and dry ingredients.

6. Mix ingredients thoroughly, then scoop into muffin tin. I use a 1/4 cup measuring cup and the amount is just about perfect.

7. Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes, until poufy but not brown.


Buttercream Frosting

You will need:
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup margarine or butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
4 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons milk

1. In a large bowl cream shortening and margarine.

2. Mix in vanilla.

3. Gradually add sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating at medium speed. Icing may appear dry, but that's okay.

4. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.


Decorate cupcakes
Allow cupcakes to cool completely. Scoop frosting into frosting bag or tube. I used a star shaped tip. I then circled around the cupcake with the tip, outside to inside.