Description

Soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, caramelized layer of custard-inspired frosting. A surprisingly simple yet gourmet dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners. This recipe makes 12 cupcakes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla bean paste, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy. Add vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt and mix until smooth.
Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
Sprinkle granulated sugar over the frosting and use a blowtorch to caramelize, or place the cupcakes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and proper rise.’, ‘Vanilla bean paste is recommended for its intense flavor and visual appeal.’, ‘Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to avoid a melted mess.’, ‘A blowtorch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar topping, but the oven broiler works as an alternative.’]

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 50
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 32
Protein: 3

Keywords: vanilla bean, crème brûlée, cupcakes, dessert, easy recipe, gourmet dessert, baking, party dessert