Often times, we have sugar cravings in our house. Unfortunately, my Mr. and I seem to have them at opposite times, so we frequently end up with sweets in the kitchen at what seems like all times. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining … but our whole ‘everything in moderation’ mantra gets put to the test!
A couple of weeks ago, Mr. said he was craving something sweet, and it just so happened that I hadn’t baked in a little while, and hadn’t restocked our supplies. Luckily, I had stashed Joy the Baker’s recipe away for an occasion just like this – cupcakes and frosting with only 1 stick of butter! And boy were they delicious!
Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Combine dry ingredients and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat until the mixture reaches a sand-like consistency, and then slowly add half of the milk while continuing to mix. Whisk together egg, vanilla and remaining milk, and then add to the mixer bowl, beating until smooth and well combined, being careful not to overmix. Spoon into a muffin tin prepared with 12 cupcake liners. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for a few minutes in the pan, and then move to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine butter and sugar with the paddle attachment on medium speed until well mixed. Mix together milk and vanilla. Reduce mixer speed, and slowly stream milk/vanilla mixture into the sugar. Beat on high once combined until mixture is light and fluffy. Add food colouring if desired. Frost cupcakes once they have cooled completely.
Source: Joy the Baker
Sweet Lee 