The story and recipe behind The Willie Vanillie cupcake

Believe it or not this is just our regular vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting , on steroids.   My lovely teenage daughter  pretty much named all the cupcake flavors in the shop but this one I got to pick.   It’s a play on Milli Vanilli, the lip syncing duo, and my son William.  Of course he has no ideas who that band was and the singing mishap.   From time to time I threaten to strip my son of his namesake particularly because he has yet to eat any of my cupcakes.   Hardly seems fair to get a cupcake named after you if you’re not going to eat them!   The recipe to follow is not our original Willie Vanillie.   This recipe evolved after many alterations.   The first vanilla we started with over three years ago is absolutely incredible but so so hard to make.  Someday I’ll reveal that recipe too but for now it’s under lock and key(actually I’ve lost it ).   Don’t be sad this is a great one and very easy to make.  The vanilla buttercream frosting is the same and it’s magical…………………………………….

Tip:  Look under Secrets of the bake shop category - tips,  for a little secret on making wonderful vanilla you’ll need it

Willie Vanillie cupcakes

preheat oven to 325 degrees, makes about 24 cupcakes

1 /2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups sugar  .14 oz

4 eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 1/2 cups flour .13 oz.

1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

     1.   In a bowl mix together buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, and baking soda.   Set aside.

     2.  Sift together flour and baking powder.  Set aside.

     3.  Using a mixer on medium speed blend together eggs and sugar until blended.  Blend in oil.  Next add flour mixture and then milk mixture alternating beginning and ending with the flour mixture.  Blend thoroughly for about 3 minutes.  Fill  baking cups about 2/3 full. Bake until just golden.  Don’t over bake !

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Do yourself a favor and use the best vanilla you can find it makes a big difference.

1 lb. soft butter unsalted (4 sticks)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 lb powdered sugar sifted

Blend with a mixer butter and vanilla.  Slowly add powdered sugar a little at a time on low then once it all in and mixed mix at high speed until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes.

Tagged as: Vanilla cupcake recipe, vanilla cupcakes