Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes

My mother-in-law has told me that her father's favorite cake was vanilla with chocolate frosting. So when my husband's maternal uncles came to visit from out of state, I thought these cupcakes would be the ideal dessert to serve. I am glad I made them.

This recipe is perfect if you have buttermilk you need to use. The cupcakes came out moist and delicious. I think it was a good choice for any party. The frosting is the fastest homemade frosting I have ever made.

Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes

Makes 30 cupcakes

4 whole eggs

2 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

3 cups cake flour

2 cups sugar

4 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk, the eggs. Add the vanilla and ¼ cup of buttermilk to the eggs. Whisk well.
3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and 1 cup of buttermilk to the flour mixture. Whisk together until fluffy about 2 minutes.
4. Slowly add the egg mixture to the flour mixture. Combine well.
5. Fill the cupcake liners about slightly over ½ full.
6. Bake in the oven for about 18-21 minutes. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Let cool before frosting.
7. Makes 30 cupcakes

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 cups powder sugar

3 Tbsp half and half milk

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate for about a minute in the microwave. Mix well and set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor, pulse the butter and add the powder sugar.  Add the milk and vanilla. Pulse a few times.
3. Refrigerate the cupcakes until ready to serve to set the frosting.

Recipe adapted from Sweetapolita.

Did you already know............
-Chocolate means bitter water in Aztec.
-The oldest and largest chocolate company in the U. S. is Hershey.
-Ancient Aztecs believed chocolate had magical powers like improve a person's strength.
-Fudge is a soft candy made from sugar, butter, and milk or cream.