Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Do I need to say more? Really? They are delicious!

The cupcakes alone are fantastic, but when you top them with the vanilla bean buttercream frosting, they are exceptional. I was in the mood to bake something and I came across this recipe. And if you know me well, you know I just have a thing for real vanilla bean, so it was perfect! The only issue I had was getting the icing the consistency I desired, I had to add in probably another 1/2 C of powdered sugar. It still wasn't as thick as I prefer, but I didn't want to add any more. The cake part of the cupcake deserves its own special mention thought, it is awesome! It has a great flavor and will definitely be my go-to recipe when I make vanilla cupcakes. You must try them as soon as possible.

Let me know if you do!

Here's the recipe, courtesy of Chef Mommy:

Ingredients
(Makes 12 cupcakes)

Vanilla Cupcakes:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners. Set pan aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides and beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in pan 5 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Prepare frosting.

Vanilla-Bean Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , softened
1/2 vanilla bean , scraped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
3.5 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted), plus more if necessary

Cream the butter in a medium-size bowl until very smooth. Stir in the vanilla-bean seeds until they're evenly distributed. Add the salt, vanilla and milk, and stir until combined. Sift the sugar over the butter mixture and stir the mixture until it's perfectly smooth. If the frosting is too loose, add a few more tablespoons of confectioners' sugar, and stir until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap until you're ready to use; mix well just before using.
Decorate cooled cupcakes as desired.

Source: Joy of Baking, inspired by Starbucks

Absolutely Amazing, Easy Apple Dumplings

**Don't forget to enter the Mabel's Labels giveaway!!**



This recipe is dedicated to my friend Amanda, who introduced me to this lovely treat and the Pioneer Woman who made it. :)


This recipe is for a delicious treat. It balances out the exercise we all did yesterday... haha. I love apples and will eat apple pie, fried apples, apple sauce, apples and caramel, and the like. And for sure, this is the BEST apple dessert I have ever had. That is saying a lot too, because I like my apple pie. :) So you NEED to make this. It is SO easy and quick, that you have no excuse not to.

So here is what you need:



Once you've gathered your ingredients, slice the apples into 8 pieces each.



Then, just roll each apple into a croissant roll. (Yes, I do know that I got reduced fat crescents... you gotta save those calories where you can...)



Once you've rolled up all the apples, place them in a 9x13 pan.



Melt the butter and add the sugar and vanilla. Then pour over the top of the apple croissants.



Try not to think about the tons of butter you just added to the pan. It will be ok. Now, add a little Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. (I know, it sounds weird. But it makes it yummy, I promise.) You will only end up using about 5 ounces.

Then sprinkle the whole thing with cinnamon and bake.



When it comes out all the butter is all deliciously bubbly and the smell in your house is divine.



Once you plate it up and add some vanilla ice cream, then top it with the juicy, sugary sauce. Well, lets just say, its not going to last long.



So, please, do yourself a favor and make this as soon as possible. My sister, who doesn't even like cooked apples, loved this dessert.

Enjoy!!



Here is the complete recipe:


2 whole Granny Smith Apples, Cored And Peeled
2 cans Refrigerator Crescent Rolls
2 sticks Butter
1-½ cup White Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ cans Mountain Dew
Ground Cinnamon


Preparation Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut apples into 8 slices each.

Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.

Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir.

Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples.

Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.


Recipe Credit: Ree, the Pioneer Woman, as posted on tastykitchen.com. You can see it here.