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Go-To Vanilla Cupcakes

These go-to vanilla cupcakes are perfect for celebrations and creating everyday moments of joy.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Servings: 16 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Fika
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup avocado, grapeseed or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup plain kefir or buttermilk
Frosting
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Put cupcake liners into 16 muffin tins.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In another bowl, add eggs and beat on medium-high with an electric mixer for 20 seconds. Add sugar and beat on medium speed for another 30 seconds. Add vanilla and oil and beat on medium speed until combined.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and the kefir and mix until combined.
  6. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling until 1/2-2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes and then remove and transfer to a wire rack. Frost when completely cool.
To Make Frosting
  1. To a large mixing bowl or standing mixer bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat at low speed to combine and then on medium to high speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed.
  2. To make colored frosting: add a few drops of food coloring and combine. Or try using beet or wild blueberry juice for natural coloring.
    To make chocolate frosting: add 2 ounces of melted, unsweetened chocolate and beat until combined.
  3. Frost cupcakes and enjoy!