Vanilla Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Ingredients and Weight:

• Flour: 1 3/4 cups (220g)
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g)
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225g), softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 3/4 cups (350g)
• Large eggs: 3
• Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml)

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

• Egg whites: 6 large (180g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g)
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225g), softened

Preparation Time:

• 25 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 18-22 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy-Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
5. Fill prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

1. Place egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot to the touch (about 160°F).
3. Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually beat in softened butter until light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Frost cooled cupcakes with Swiss meringue buttercream.
2. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per cupcake with frosting):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes
• Rich and creamy Swiss meringue buttercream
• Sweet and decadent
• Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes are absolutely delicious! The buttercream frosting is so smooth and flavorful." - Jane Doe
• "The cupcakes were a huge hit at my party. Everyone loved them!" - John Doe
• "I'm not a huge fan of sweets, but these cupcakes are an exception. They're just the right amount of sweet and fluffy." - Mary Smith

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the buttercream is fully cooled before frosting the cupcakes, otherwise it will melt.
• If the buttercream is too thick, add a little milk or water to thin it out.
• If the buttercream is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.