Vanilla Vanilla Cupcakes for National Vanilla Cupcake Day

Happy National Vanilla Cupcake Day!!!  

November 10th is National Vanilla Cupcake Day and to say that Vanilla is my favorite cupcake flavor is an understatement.  I love, love, love vanilla cupcakes.  In fact, every time I try out a new cupcake shop/bakery I order their vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream as the first cupcake I try.  I figure if they can get the basics right, the rest of their flavors are worth a try.

I have had this recipe by Amy Sedaris for months waiting for the perfect opportunity to try it.  What better opportunity than a cupcake holiday!

Fresh out of the oven.  They smell divine!

Amy Sedaris' Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes 2 dozen

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
1¾ cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
2½ teaspoons baking powder
2½ cups flour
1¼ cups milk

To prepare oven, muffin tin: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Line standard muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

To make cupcakes: In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Add flour in 3 batches, alternating with milk. Beat at low speed for 30 seconds or until mixture is smooth and satiny.

To bake cupcakes: Divide batter evenly among cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are pale gold and toothpick or skewer inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 45 minutes or until at room temperature.

For these cupcakes I used a Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream because I love the delicate texture and beautiful way it pipes onto cupcakes.  You can find the recipe and a video how-to demo on my Blog here.  But if you would like to us a more traditional Vanilla Buttercream here is Amy Sedaris' Buttercream Frosting recipe for these cupcakes.

Buttercream Frosting

1 stick of unsalted butter
1 pound box of confectioners' sugar
¼ cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon pure vanilla

In medium bowl, whisk together butter, confectioners' sugar, half-and-half and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

 Celebrate Today!

Enjoy a Vanilla Cupcake

for National Vanilla Cupcake Day!