Pilot Post: Something as sweet and simple as a Vanilla Cupcake

When in doubt, bake cupcakes! That's what i always do. Nothing can go wrong with plain vanilla cupcakes. And if it gets too boring-looking, you can always dress them up with some fancy icing, or simply color the batter for the rainbow effect. I have been making plain vanilla cupcakes for as long as i can remember. I usually like them plain or with a small amount of whipped cream (butter cream has never been my thing). Lately i tried these rainbow cupcakes with cream cheese frosting left overs from my red velvet cake and the outcome was delicious.

                                                                               

Vanilla Cupcakes with whipped cream frosting

For rainbow effect, simply divide the batter into four halves and add one color to each portion. Fill the cupcake liner using batter from every portion.

Here's an inside view of the cupcake. Don't you brighten up seeing all the colors?

Here's the recipe:

Vanilla Cupcakes:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsaltedbutter, room temperature

2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated whitesugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Zest of 1 large lemon(outer yellow skin)

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl whisk together the lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and salt.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 17 -20 minutes or just until set and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. (Always check a few minutes before the stated baking time. Do not over bake or the cupcakes will be dry.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost with icing.