Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting (Makes 4)

So I am one of those people who really doesn't get the whole cupcake craze that went on a few years ago (is still going on?). I'm all about the donut craze though. We all have our weaknesses you know. Anyway, up until this recipe I had never made cupcakes from scratch and I'm here to tell you, it is a completely different ball game. These were amazing!! And the whole reason I tried this recipe in the first place is because I didn't want to make a whole batch of cupcakes. Who needs 12 cupcakes when there are only 4 people in your family? One of which only has their front teeth...

I made these for my son's third birthday a couple of weeks ago and they were a hit! They are dense, not too sweet and have an amazing vanilla flavor. And the best part is, you can easily half this recipe if you want a quick treat for you and a friend or to eat them both by yourself! These are a definite winner in my book.

Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes (Makes 4)

Adapted from Kitchen Secrets and Snippets

2 egg whites

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup flour

1/2 heaping teaspoon of baking powder

pinch of salt

3 Tbsp. milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with 4 liners.

2. In a bowl, add egg whites and sugar, whisking until combined. Add in vanilla and melted butter, stirring until mixed. In a separate small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Pour dry ingredients into wet and stir until smooth. Stir in milk. Divide batter equally between the 4 cupcake liners so they are about 3/4 full.

3. Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely, then frost as desired.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2-3 tsp. milk

food coloring, optional

1. Beat the butter in a stand mixer until fluffy. Add powdered sugar in batches, 1/4 cup at a time until well combined. Add vanilla and milk, adding more milk if necessary. Add food coloring and beat at a low speed until fully incorporated.