Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

My second-born turned eight last week. This girl brings a lot of spunk to my life. She loves to bake with me. She has her own set of wire whisks and is in possession of an impressive cookbook collection (four cookbooks is impressive for an eight year old).

For her birthday this year, she had some friends over for fun and games. They made their own pizzas and decorated cupcakes. (The cupcakes pictured were decorated by me and the cyclist. When the girls decorate, the emphasis is less on aesthetics...and more on sheer frosting volume.)

Recipe from I Like You; hospitality under the influence by Amy Sedaris

Cupcakes
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
2 1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups milk

Line 24 standard size muffin cups with cupcake liners. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Beat butter and sugar in bowl of mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add baking powder, salt, flour and milk. Mix until well combined. Pour evenly into muffin pan (about 2/3 full). Bake 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

One box of powdered sugar (3 1/2 - 4 cups)
1/2 cup softened, unsalted butter
1 t vanilla
1/4 cup milk or cream
Food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat until light and fluffy.

Happy Birthday Wee-Ah!