19 May 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 70 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1.50 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
3 cups self-raising flour
1 cup milk (1% fat)
1 cup cream cheese
4 cup powdered sugar
Birthday cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat to celebrate any special occasion. These cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor, topped with a luscious and tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet cake perfectly. They're easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
2. Making the Cupcake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1.5 cups of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of self-raising flour and 1 tsp of salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
3. Baking the Cupcakes:
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture on low speed.
- Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Frosting the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting.
- Optionally, decorate the frosted cupcakes with sprinkles, fruit, or any other decorative items of your choice.
6. Serving:
- Serve the cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, as this ensures a smoother batter and frosting.
- Use a quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the cupcakes and the frosting.
- For evenly sized cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to distribute the batter into the cupcake liners.
- Don't overfill the cupcake liners; fill them about 2/3 full to ensure they rise properly without spilling over.
- To test if the cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they're ready.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For smoother cream cheese frosting, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the cream cheese and butter.
These birthday cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are sure to be a hit at any celebration. With their moist and flavorful cake combined with the rich and tangy frosting, they offer a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Follow these tips and you'll achieve perfect cupcakes every time, ready to impress your guests and make any birthday special.