1 1/3cups(185 grams/6.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick/115 grams) butter, softened
1 cup (200 grams/7 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs , room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. On medium speed, beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Add milk and beat until combined. Add the other half of the dry ingredients and beat slowly or fold by hand only until combined. Do not over mix – the less you mix, the lighter the cake will be.
Divide batter evenly between the cups, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes (or 8-10 minutes if making mini cupcakes) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to sit for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Unfrosted cupcakes can be kept tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw, still covered, on the counter or overnight in the fridge.
Buttercream frosting
1 cup (225 g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted, plus more as needed
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and salt on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until combined, then add another 2 cups, and beat until completely smooth. Add cream, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in more sugar as needed, until desired consistency (thick enough to pipe).
*Salt and lemon juice are added to cut sweetness and are optional. You can add more or leave out entirely.