Simple Works!

I enjoy making cupcakes. One of the reason for it is the simplicity. I hate having to wash so many bowls to begin with. So a recipe that does not require me to take out all the bowls from the cupboard is always my go to. This one here is my favorite and a crowd pleaser. I made them again for my dad's birthday. It was a rave! Do enjoy!

The Simplest Vanilla Cupcakes a.k.a Dad's Birthday Cupcakes

(Yields 24 - 36 cupcakes depends on size)

• 2 1/2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup corn oil
• 1 vanilla pod *or 2 tsp vanilla essence* *watch video on how to de-seed a vanilla pod below*
• 1 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 175 C ( 350 F). Place paper cups in the cupcake pans
2. Combine together flour + baking powder + baking soda + salt in a medium bowl and set aside
3. In mixer, whisk together eggs + sugar until thickened and lightened to cream color. Then, add oil and vanilla seeds into the mixer
4. On low speed, alternately adding milk and flour mixture into the wet mixture in 3 additions
5. Mix until incorporated. The batter will be runny and smooth
6. Pour into prepared cups 2/3 full and bake for 18-23 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean
7. Cool completely before frosting. Unless you're using chocolate ganache, it is okay to drizzle the chocolate on top while it's still warm

Chocolate Ganache

• 1/2 cup Cream
• 8 oz. bittersweet baking chocolate
• 2 Tbsp butter

1. Chop chocolate block into fine pieces, and put into a bowl
2. Heat the cream in a small until steaming. Then remove from heat and pour immediately onto the chopped chocolate. Let stand to let the chocolate melt, about 5 minutes
3. Add butter and stir until smooth

Assembling the Cupcakes:

1. Dip the cupcake's top into the chocolate ganache, or spoon it over
2. Sprinkle tops with your choice of decoration *I used crushed almonds and it was delicious!*

From youtube