20---Vanilla Bean Cupcakes from Scratch- for my Wee One

For my babe's first birthday I was completely set on making her her first cupcake.

Initially, I thought I would make a "healthy" cupcake and load it up with bran and veggie purees.

And then I had the thought: My wee one needs some 20s too.

So I decided to make her a nice, simple vanilla cupcake from scratch.

Now I know why cupcake shoppes are a booming business.

Making two dozen cupcakes (and frosting them) is no simple feat when you are trying to juggle a one-year old AND get ready for her first birthday party.

Yes, these were a bit of work.  But they were DELICIOUS.

How did my wee babe like her first cupcake?  Well, she took a bit of frosting, then played with it a bit, then gobbled up a piece of roasted asparagus.

Daughter of a dietitian.  What can I say?

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes from Scratch
Serves 24

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs
2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
Scrappings from two vanilla beans
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk

FROSTING
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat on high speed until a smooth puree is formed, ~2 minutes.  Add in eggs, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean scrappings.  Beat on low speed to combine, then continue beating as you add baking powder and flours gradually.  Add milk and beat on medium for 2 minutes.

Line 24 cupcake tins with baking liners.  Divide batter between cups, being careful to only fill each cup 3/4 full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until centers are done.  Remove from oven and allow to cool entirely prior to frosting.

For the frosting: Beat together butter and powdered sugar on high speed for 2 minutes.  Add in vanilla and continue to beat until combined.  Lastly add milk and beat until  smooth and even in consistency.

Frost cupcakes as you wish and enjoy!