Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Cupcakes Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 177°C (350°F) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the milk and mix until incorporated.
- Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the water until the batter is smooth.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Use a medium cookie scoop to fill the lined cupcake pan with the batter, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake :Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting Beat Cream Cheese and Butter :In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract or lemon juice and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cupcakes Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate: Optionally, decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles, fruit, or other toppings of your choice.
Notes
Variations
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor. Top with chocolate cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Incorporate lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. Frost with lemon cream cheese frosting for a bright twist.
- Carrot Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Add grated carrots and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter. These cupcakes pair wonderfully with cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts.
- Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Use red velvet cake mix or add red food coloring to the batter, along with cocoa powder. Top with classic cream cheese frosting for a festive look.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Fold in fresh strawberries or strawberry puree into the batter. Top with strawberry cream cheese frosting for a fruity delight.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal treat. Frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Crush Oreo cookies and mix them into the batter. Top with cream cheese frosting and garnish with more crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Mix in peanut butter into the batter for a nutty flavor. Frost with a creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
- Coconut Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. Frost with coconut cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
- Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
- Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into the batter for a moist and flavorful cupcake. Top with cream cheese frosting and banana chips for decoration.
