Vanilla Cream Dream Cupcakes

A buttery delight. From Kittencal's Easy One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes and Kittencal's Really Easy Buttercream Frosting/Icing.

40 min / 13 min prep

FROSTING
6 tablespoons butter, softened (no substitutions)
3 tablespoons whipping cream, unwhipped (35%)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar (or see substitues)
food coloring (optional)

CUPCAKES
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening (best is plain Crisco)
1 cup half and half cream (or milk)
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla (or 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract)
3 eggs

FROSTING
1. In a bowl, beat together the butter, whipping cream and vanilla until smooth (about 3 minutes).
2. Add in icing sugar; beat very well until smooth, adding more if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

CUPCAKES
1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, beat all ingredients on medium speed of an electric mixer, scraping the bowl constantly, until well blended for about 30 seconds.
3. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
4. Pour into paper-lined muffin cups, filling half full.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes test done. Immediately remove from pans.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Suggestions: Add in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut into the batter. Or use chocolate icing.