# Components:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Pastel Butterfly Buttercream
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Gel food coloring: pastel pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple
→ Decoration
15 - Edible butterfly decorations or wafer paper butterflies
16 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Preparation steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Add dry mixture in two batches, alternating with whole milk. Mix gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly divide the batter among cupcake liners, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low. Pour in whole milk and vanilla extract, then beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
09 - Divide buttercream evenly between 4 to 5 bowls. Tint each portion with a different pastel gel color, blending thoroughly.
10 - Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Spoon alternate colored buttercream portions side by side in the bag to create a swirled effect.
11 - Pipe generous swirls of pastel buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
12 - Adorn each cupcake with butterfly decorations and sprinkles as desired.
