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classic vanilla cupcakes 9
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Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

These delicious classic vanilla cupcakes adorned with silky chocolate frosting are the perfect dessert to eat anytime, anywhere.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: birthday cake, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate frosting, classic vanilla cupcakes, cupcake, cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes
Servings: 16 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
  • 3-4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1-3 Tablespoons milk for thinning the buttercream

Instructions

For the Cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  • In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking power, and whisk to combine.
  • In a large bowl, add the milk, oil, vanilla, and egg. Whisk together thoroughly, until the egg is mixed throughout, and the oil gets frothy. Add the sugars and whisk to dissolve.
  • Add the flour mixture and whisk it in until just combined, there may be a few lumps, and that is okay.
  • Evenly divide the batter amongst the cupcake pan, and place in the oven. As soon as you put them in the oven, turn the temperature down to 350°F. Putting them in at an initially hotter temperature will give them better rise, but ultimately we want the oven to be at 350°F for when they finish cooking. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting.

For the Frosting:

  • Add the softened, room temperature, butter and cocoa powder to a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer (or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer) until combined, making sure all of the cocoa lumps are gone. Add the salt and vanilla and mix until distributed.
  • Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Once you have added 3 cups of powdered sugar, taste the frosting to see if you want it sweeter, more chocolaty, etc.
  • If the frosting is too thick for your liking, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy whipping cream to thin it out. Continue adding 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Frost the cupcakes and enjoy!