Easter egg cupcakes

This post is remarkably late, as Easter was a while ago. However, these are vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting, which are just great for any occasion. Quite moist and delicious. I made these for a 'Jewster' party. The party that one of my friends organizes every year. The  name comes from the idea of joining Passover (as her future husband is jewish) with Easter. It really is all about food, friends, a few adult-type Jello shots and lots of laughs.

Here's the recipe for this delicious cupcakes. Whether you add eggs or not, I think they're great for any party.

Vanilla cupcakes

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside.

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

In a small bowl, whisk together milk and vanilla extract and set aside. 

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It will take about 5-8 minutes with a hand mixer, which is all I have. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until thoroughly incorporated. 

Add the flour mixture and the vanilla milk mixture in three batches, starting and ending with the flour.  

Divide into the lined cupcake pan and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then remove to cool completely. Once cool the cupcakes are ready for frosting. 

Chocolate frosting

(Makes a thick very chocolaty frosting, not so easy to pipe but very spreadable). 

1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Start by mixing the chocolate and butter with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla extract. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the sugar-cocoa mixture to the chocolate-butter mixture and mix until combined. The mixture should be fluffy. 

Enjoy