THE PERFECT CUPCAKE

Yes, you read that right! We have theeeee perfect cupcake recipe for you today. Leah may have "stolen" it from a NYC bakery. Shhh! These are our go to cakes for any grown up secret eating time after our kids go to bed and no one is watching celebration, but ESPECIALLY Valentine's Day, right? I am not a box of chocolates girl myself, but put a piece of cake in front of me, and its gone in two seconds flat. What can I say? These cupcakes will eat any other cupcake for dinner. And the frosting..... Ohemmmmmgeeeeee! The lightest, fluffiest, not overdone buttercream frosting we have ever tasted! 

Our secret baking tip (well, I guess its not a secret) is to under bake. Even if it means cutting off the last few minutes. It makes such a difference in the moisture of the cake here. Promise!!

CUPCAKE:

(Makes 30 cupcakes)

-1 3/4 c cake flour

-1 1/4 c unbleached all-purpose flour

-2 c sugar

-1 T. baking powder

-3/4 tsp. salt

-1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter

-4 large eggs

-1 c whole milk

-1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder & salt. Add butter, mixing just until coated. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture in three parts. Bake 17-20 minutes. REMEMBER... We underbake. I am always checking mine around the 15 minute mark. I stick a toothpick in and take them out just before the toothpick comes out completely clean.

*rotate pan half way through cooking for even baking!*

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: 

(Makes 4 1/2 cups)

1 c butter, softened (not melted)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 (32 oz.) package powdered sugar

6 to 7 T. milk

1 T. vanilla extract ( alter if you like. I love the frosting with or without the vanilla)

Beat butter and salt at medium speed with an electric mixer 1-2 minutes or until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar alternately with 6 Tbsp. of milk, beating at low speed until blended and smooth after each addition. Get it to your desired consistency and then stir in vanilla. 

* The one thing I adore most about this frosting is that it is perfectly spreadable right after its made. No refrigerating necessary!*

We promise you..... you will thank us!

XO!