Description
Delightfully sweet and visually stunning, these Pink Buttercream Cupcakes feature moist vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, vibrant pink buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color and classic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add Color: Incorporate pink gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing thoroughly until the desired vibrant pink shade is achieved.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a spatula or piping bag, frost the cooled cupcakes evenly with the pink buttercream, and decorate as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store properly until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant pink color without thinning the frosting texture.
- These cupcakes can be decorated with sprinkles or fresh berries for an extra decorative touch.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and baking.
