Do you think vanilla is boring?

If so, I have one thing to say to you: try these cupcakes. They’re the most un-boring vanilla cupcakes I’ve ever had, perfect to:

• Stack on a platter for the next celebration in your life.
• Bring to the office to brighten your co-workers’ days.
• Make with your (or your favorite) child for memory-making.
• Make for yourself- because you’re worth it!

Just one thing: you must use good vanilla. I mean the real stuff: pure vanilla extract, nothing with the words “flavoring” or “artificial” please.

Exciting Vanilla Cupcakes

3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup Crisco
2 cups superfine (Caster) sugar
4 large eggs
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup warm half-and-half

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (each cupcake pan is 12 standard sized cupcakes).

Cream butter and Crisco together until light and fluffy, around 3-5 minutes.

On medium speed, add in the eggs, beating for 20 seconds between adding the eggs. Add the vanilla extract, and beat on high speed for about 2 minutes.

Add the superfine sugar, beat well until combined. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift together the flours, salt and baking powder. Give it a good whisk so it’s blended well.

On low speed, add the flour mixture and the half-and-half to the egg/butter mixture. Blend just until combined. Don’t overmix!

Portion out into the cupcake tins, bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out moist but not wet.