CUPCAKE

Certainly! Here's a basic cupcake recipe that you can use as a starting point. You can customize the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences:

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

- Food coloring (optional)

- Sprinkles or decorations (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Add milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.

5. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

6. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to frost them with the buttercream frosting.

7. Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings as desired.

8. Serve and enjoy your homemade cupcakes!

Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding cocoa powder for chocolate cupcakes or incorporating other extracts for different variations. Have fun decorating your cupcakes to make them as festive and creative as you like!