Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

This is my most favorite type of cupcake.  Of course, I love fancy flavors that involve bananas, chocolate chip cookie dough, and creme fillings.  However, when we are talking simple, vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is my favorite.  And no, it can not be the other way around.  I just love the way it tastes, it's not too rich and not too filling so I can have as much or as many as I want.  Many of my friends and family have learned this is my favorite type of cake so on my birthday it's never a problem getting to eat it.  This year, I actually wanted to make it (not just eat it) and share it with you.

Not only are these a simple, basic cupcake but, they are incredibly easy to make!  Also, I bet you have all of the ingredients in your house!  That's how great these cupcakes are.  So, don't just make these in honor of my birthday, make them if you have a chocolate craving or if you just have a need for cupcakes.  As for the frosting, I'm pretty sure you have never tasted anything like it in your life!

And for my friends and family that wanted to make this for me on my birthday... I will still gladly accept :)

Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

adapted from Food Network

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 stick of softened butter

2 tsp vanilla 

1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

In a mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add in eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.  On low speed, alternate the flour mixture 3 times with the milk mixture 2 times, starting and ending with the flour.  Once the flour is incorporated, scoop into lined muffin tins.  

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Frosting

3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
2 sticks of butter, softened, cut into pieces (1 cup)
3 oz of milk chocolate chips, melted
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg whites, sugar, and salt continuously over a pot of simmering water until the sugar is dissolved and the temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Take off the heat, and beat the egg white mixture in a mixer until soft peaks form and they are still shiny.  On medium speed, beat in the butter a few tablespoons at a time.  Once all the butter is added and the mixture is smooth, beat in the melted chocolate and cocoa powder until combined.

Frost onto cooled cupcakes.


*For a richer frosting, use a tablespoon more of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips