The Best Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Do you know what I would really like as a patisserie and bakery lover? I really want to have a few universal recipes, that are easy and deliciously guaranteed, that I can prepare quickly and adapt them to every situation. For example, everyone needs to know just one pizza base recipe, and then add whatever toppings they like – different types of salami and sausages, cheeses, or the pizza can be entirely vegetarian with different kinds of vegetables.

I already have one such universal recipe for sugar cookies, that are perfect for cutting out. They are scrumptious even by themselves, but are also ideal for decorating with royal icing or fondant for different holidays and occasions – you can use them for Christmas cookies, Easter Cookies or whatever you can think of. I also have a few ideas for cake layers and creams, recipes for basic french macarons, tartlet crusts and chocolate muffins, now I even have a universal recipe for vanilla cupcakes!

These vanilla cupcakes take 10 minutes and this is an absolutely no-fail recipe, they turn out adorable every time. The baking time is around 18 minutes during which, you can prepare your favourite frosting or experiment. This way, in just 30 minutes, you can make an irresistible dessert to be proud of. 

We decided to decorate these vanilla cupcakes with a super simple but yet delicious chocolate icing. You need only 3 ingredients of which, of course, the most important one is dark chocolate, so there is no need to persuade you it is yummy. It has the perfect consistency, it’s not runny at all, and it’s great for piping out. You can use it for decorating other cakes and desserts as well.

Ingredients for 12 vanilla cupcakes:

• 250 g flour
• 145 ml milk
• 125 g sugar
• 75 ml sunflower oil
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 pack vanilla sugar
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt

Ingredients for the chocolate frosting:

• 135 g dark chocolate
• 90 ml condensed milk
• 75 g butter

Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting Preparation:

1. Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add in the sugar, salt and vanilla.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Mix in the sunflower oil and milk.
3. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until a thick, smooth mixture is obtained. 
4. Preheat the oven to 180ºС. Line a muffin baking tin with parchment paper.
5. Divide the mixture between the paper cups and fill them 2/3.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes, until a light golden colour. Insert a wooden skewer into the centre of a vanilla cupcake to check if it is done. It needs to come out clean.
7. Take the vanilla cupcakes out of the baking tray and leave on a cooling rack until completely cool.
8. To make the chocolate frosting, melt the dark chocolate in a water bath.
9. Add in the butter. After it melts, stir in the condensed milk until well combined.
10. Remove from the double boiler and set aside to cool to room temperature. Then chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
11. Choose a piping tip, place it in your piping bag and transfer the chocolate frosting inside. Decorate the cupcakes and store in the fridge before serving.

Bon appetit!