It is my daughter’s birthday today! She has been my biggest helper and biggest fan for my baking. Can’t believe she is 8 now ! Where does the time go? This is what she specifically ordered, vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Happy Birthday my little baby!

For the cupcakes

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (150 g), at room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1+1/2 cups cake and pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside
3. Add lemon juice into milk, let sit for 5 minutes
4. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
5. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until blended
6. Mix in half the milk, then half the flour mixture
7. Add the remaining milk and flour mixture, mix until just blended, scraping sides of bowl, 
8. Pour into lightly greased paper cups, only up to about 2/3 full
9. Bake in tins for about 18-20 minutes, toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the middle
10. Cool completely before frosting
11. Decorate with sprinkles

For the chocolate frosting

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (150 g), at room temperature
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

1. Sift together icing sugar and cocoa powder
2. Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, cool slightly
3. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy
4. Add milk and vanilla
5. Add sugar and cocoa powder in 2-3 portions, mix well after each addition, scraping sides of bowl
6. Add melted chocolate, mix until smooth