Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cubed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3.5 cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp gel food coloring (various colors)
  • 1 tbsp edible glitter and star sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on low speed.
  3. Add the 113g of cubed butter one piece at a time while the mixer is on low. Continue mixing until the texture resembles damp sand with no large butter chunks.
  4. In a separate jug, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla bean paste.
  5. With the mixer on low, slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Increase speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds until just combined and smooth.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Prepare the frosting by beating 226g butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar, heavy cream, clear vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
  8. Divide frosting into small bowls, tint with gel colors representing the Eras, and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.