Cupcakes Three Ways

Directions

1. 1
   For Chocolate Cupcakes: reduce flour to 1 1/4 cups, and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
2. 2
   Makes 12.
3. 3
   Black and White Cupcakes: Prepare both vanilla and chocolate batters; fill muffin cups with 3 tablespoons of each, side by side.
4. 4
   Makes 24.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. 6
   Butter and flour a standard 12-cup muffin pan, or use paper liners.
7. 7
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
8. 8
   With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
9. 9
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; add vanilla and mix until combined.
10. 10
    On low speed, beat in half the flour mixture, followed by milk; end with remaining flour mixture.
11. 11
    Mix just until incorporated (do not overmix).
12. 12
    Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.
13. 13
    Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, 22 to 24 minutes.
14. 14
    Cool cupcakes in pan, 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. 15
    Frost with your choice of buttercream.
16. 16
    Buttercream Three Ways.
17. 17
    Vanilla Buttercream: With an electric mixer, beat 1 stick room temperature unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
18. 18
    On medium speed, beat in 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down bowl as necessary.
19. 19
    Mix in 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
20. 20
    Increase speed to high, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
21. 21
    Makes 1 1/2 cups.
22. 22
    Raspberry Buttercream: Make vanilla buttercream, then beat in 3 to 4 teaspoons seedless raspberry jam.
23. 23
    Chocolate Buttercream: Place 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water.
24. 24
    Heat, stirring occasionaaly, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.
25. 25
    Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.
26. 26
    Make vanilla buttercream, then beat in melted chocolate.