Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

Name: Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 vanilla beans; 2 cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups confectioners' sugar; Assorted candies and coarse sugar

13 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 vanilla beans
2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar
Assorted candies and coarse sugar

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 375°. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners.
2

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Split vanilla beans lengthwise; using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape seeds from the center into creamed mixture. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
3

Fill prepared cups three-fourths full. Bake 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
4

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Decorate with candies and coarse sugar as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.
5

Freeze cooled cupcakes in resealable plastic freezer bags. To use, thaw at room temperature. Frost as directed.