![](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Vanilla-Bean-Buttercream.jpg.webp)
Paige, Will and I made cupcakes this afternoon. There was no particular reason … it was just something we could do for a nice dessert.
Can I let you in on a little secret? This might come as a surprise — especially due to my fondness for cooking from scratch. Prepare yourself … When I make cupcakes, the cake usually comes from a box.
Yes, it’s true. I have a few cupcake recipes that I love like Black Bottom Cupcakes and Pumpkin Cupcakes. But usually, if I am making them, it starts with a box of chocolate cake mix. All in all, it’s great since making cupcakes from a box is a perfect activity for kids … there is minimal measuring and way fewer steps.
My secret to making that box great? I add one serving of instant coffee — usually from a single serv package. It makes the chocolate so wonderfully rich.
Once that part is out of the way, the frosting comes …
![](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Vanilla-Bean-Buttercream-2.jpg.webp)
Butter, sugar, vanilla beans, milk. It’s a simple combination that creates an amazing, creamy topping. I like to pipe it on using a disposable pastry bag and a big round tip to make swirls. Other tips work fine, but that’s just my favorite.
![](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Vanilla-Bean-Buttercream-3.jpg.webp)
For the kids’ part, they get to decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles of their choice. Paige is so exacting when she places hers on the cupcakes … Precision is a good thing, right? Will, on the other hand, just tosses them on (me too!).
Do you ever make cupcakes just because?
Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting
![Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting](https://sarahscucinabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/4637126947_9fa593aafd_o.jpg.webp)
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, , softened to room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 3 vanilla beans, , seeded
- 1/3 cup nonfat milk
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy.
- To color: add food coloring and beat until well-combined.
josephine
Wednesday 26th of May 2010
We always make cupcakes for no reason!!! Or as Amelia calles them....cuppy-cakes
The Teacher Cooks
Tuesday 25th of May 2010
Looks like you and the kids had a fun afternoon. Nice job decorating! .-= The Teacher Cooks´s last blog ..Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon and Kale =-.
Maria
Tuesday 25th of May 2010
Love the pink frosting. So fuN!