Cupcakes with buttercream

Fluffy cupcakes with buttercream – a delicacy for any occasion

Who doesn’t love a fluffy cupcake that melts in your mouth? This recipe for cupcakes with buttercream is perfect for a sweet treat, whether it's for a Halloween party, an anniversary, or simply an afternoon spent with family. I will explain step by step how to make delicious and easy-to-prepare cupcakes that will surely impress anyone who tastes them.

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cupcakes

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 280 g of flour
- 125 g of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 100 g of milk chocolate (or dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 100 g of sugar
- 1 large egg
- 250 ml of buttermilk

For the buttercream:
- 250 g of soft butter
- 3-4 cups of powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional, to add a splash of color)
- 2-4 tablespoons of milk or cream, depending on the desired texture

Preparation steps:

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have the oven well heated to ensure even baking of the cupcakes.

2. Prepare the cupcake tray
Place cupcake liners in the special tray. This step is important as it will make the cupcakes come out more easily after baking and will add a nice appearance.

3. Prepare the chocolate
Chop the chocolate into small pieces or, for a quick method, use a food processor to chop it. Then, in a bowl, mix the chocolate with the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This combination will add an intense flavor to your cupcakes.

4. Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg with sugar, soft butter, and buttermilk. Use a mixer on medium speed so that the ingredients combine smoothly. You will notice how the mixture becomes fluffier and airier.

5. Incorporate the dry ingredients
Add the chocolate-flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Avoid overmixing, as the cupcakes may become dense.

6. Fill the cupcake liners
Divide the batter evenly into each liner, filling them about two-thirds full. This way, the cupcakes will have enough room to rise during baking.

7. Bake the cupcakes
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cupcakes bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if they are done using the toothpick method: insert a toothpick in the center of one; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are baked.

8. Prepare the buttercream
While the cupcakes cool, you can prepare the buttercream. Beat the soft butter with the mixer for a few minutes until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar at low speed to avoid sugar clouds. Once the sugar is incorporated, add vanilla and 2-4 tablespoons of milk. Continue mixing for 3 minutes. If the cream is too soft, add more powdered sugar; if it is too hard, add a little milk.

9. Decorate the cupcakes
After the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag to apply the buttercream on each cupcake. You can decorate them with colorful sprinkles or grated chocolate for a festive look.

10. Serving
These cupcakes with buttercream are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, and for an extra treat, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on each cupcake.

Practical tips:
- Use quality ingredients for the best results. Good quality milk chocolate will make your cupcakes more flavorful.
- If you want a variation, you can add dried fruits or chopped nuts to the batter for a different taste.
- The cupcakes keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days.

Nutritional benefits:
These cupcakes contain butter, which is a good source of healthy fats, and chocolate, which brings antioxidants. Although they are sweet, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the butter with a vegan alternative?
Yes, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil to make the recipe suitable for vegans.

2. How can I adjust the recipe to make gluten-free cupcakes?
You can replace the wheat flour with a combination of gluten-free flour and a binding agent, such as almond flour.

3. What is the secret to fluffy cupcakes?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and use ingredients at room temperature, as they combine better and create an airy texture.

This recipe for cupcakes with buttercream is not only easy to make but will also bring a touch of joy and flavor to every day. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or to treat yourself, these cupcakes will surely become your favorites! Enjoy!