Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting and Lots of Sprinkles

Sometimes the simplest things are the best, like Vanilla Cupcakes.  I volunteered to make cupcakes for my friend's Granddaughter, Emma's,  9th birthday yesterday.  She wanted Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting, and LOTS of  Sprinkles. What is it it about sprinkles that turn a plain cupcake into a party?  Is it all the bright colors, and tiny pieces of fun that turn the plain cupcake into a party in your hand?

See that beautiful smile on the Birthday girl? Now there is such a huge assortment for sprinkles for any occasion or color.  I have  baskets  full of various sprinkles, and colored sugars in my pantry, ready to turn a simple dessert into a party.  Too bad that I didn't have all of those sprinkles growing up in the 60's, when I was learning to bake.  I would have had a ball.  I don't even think I made cupcakes, until I had kids.   Look at all the fun I was missing, when I was 9 yrs. old?   Emma got to share the fun with her sister Anna, who turns 8 next month.

Vanilla  Cupcake Recipe Adapted from Cupcake Project

 Ingredients: Makes 30 mini or 12 regular sized cupcakes

• 1 1/4 C flour
• 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/4 t baking soda
• 1/4 t salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 C sugar
• 1/2 C unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 C sour cream

Directions:

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar for about 2 minutes, or until light and creamy.
3. Add the butter and vanilla and beat on low speed for about 1 minute, or until well blended.
4. Beat in the dry ingredients on low speed until blended.
5. Add the sour cream and beat until smooth and well blended.
6. Fill mini cupcake liners about halfway full.
7. Bake at 350 F for about 14 minutes for mini, 23 min. for regular size, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean and the tops are firm. 

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients:

1/2 c butter, room temperature

2c. powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 c more or less milk, or half and half I used almond milk

Cream butter with an electric mixer, until light and fluffy.  Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix well, Add milk until desired consistency. Pipe or frost cupcakes.  Add sprinkles!