Wild Flower Cupcakes (Printer-friendly)

Light vanilla cupcakes with buttercream and fresh edible flowers for elegant spring entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cupcake Batter

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Buttercream Frosting

09 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

14 - 1-2 cups edible wildflowers (violets, pansies, nasturtiums, or calendula petals), rinsed and patted dry

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
10 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with buttercream using a piping bag or spatula.
11 - Decorate generously with edible wildflowers just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The vanilla cupcake is tender enough to stand alone but makes the perfect canvas for something magical
  • People actually gasp when they see these, but the secret is how simple they are to pull together
02 -
  • Never use flowers from a florist or nursery unless they're certified edible—most are treated with chemicals you should never eat
  • The cupcakes must be completely cool before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off
03 -
  • Whip the buttercream longer than you think necessary—those extra minutes transform it into something ethereal
  • Press flowers onto fresh frosting rather than piping frosting over them, which can bruise delicate petals

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