Vanilla Matcha Frosting Cupcakes

Indulge in a delightful flavour fusion with Vanilla Matcha Frosting Cupcakes! These cupcakes combine the comforting sweetness of vanilla with the subtle earthiness of matcha green tea powder to create a frosting that’s both delicious and visually stunning. It’s the perfect way to elevate your classic vanilla cupcake game.

Vanilla cupcakes are a timeless favorite for a reason! Their simplicity highlights the delicate sweetness of vanilla, making them a versatile base for a wide range of frosting flavors and toppings. Here’s why vanilla cupcakes hold a special place in the world of baking:

• Comforting and Familiar: The warm, sweet aroma and flavor of vanilla evokes feelings of home-baked goodness and simple pleasures.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Vanilla cupcakes are suitable for everything from casual treats to birthday celebrations and elegant events.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The subtle sweetness and lack of complex flavors make vanilla cupcakes a hit with children and adults alike.
• Endless Customization: Vanilla cupcakes are a blank canvas for creativity! Experiment with different frostings, sprinkles, fillings, and toppings for endless variations.

Matcha Powder: More Than Just a Tea

Matcha powder is a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated and processed green tea leaves. Here’s what makes matcha so special:

• Unique Cultivation: Unlike most green teas, matcha tea leaves are shaded during the final weeks of growth. This increases chlorophyll production, resulting in a vibrant green colour and a richer, more intense flavour.
• Flavour Profile: Matcha offers a slightly grassy and earthy flavour with a subtle sweetness and a hint of natural bitterness. It provides a delicious contrast and depth of flavour in baked goods.
• Potential Health Benefits: Matcha is a concentrated source of antioxidants called catechins, which may offer potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.
• Culinary Versatility: While renowned as a beverage, matcha powder adds a vibrant twist to a wide variety of culinary creations. Use it in frostings, cakes, cookies, ice cream, smoothies, and more!

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Yields: Approximately 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake: Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing leads to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
• Accurate Filling: Filling the cupcake liners about ⅔ full ensures a good rise without overflowing.

For the Vanilla Matcha Frosting

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) icing sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons matcha powder (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Bake Your Cupcakes: Prepare your vanilla cupcakes according to the recipe above or purchase pre-baked ones. Let them cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
   • Gradually add icing sugar, alternating with milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
   • Stir in vanilla extract and matcha powder. Start with 1 tablespoon of matcha, taste, and add more if desired for a stronger flavour.
3. Frost and Decorate: Use a piping bag or offset spatula to frost your cooled cupcakes with the Vanilla Matcha Frosting. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional matcha powder or add edible flowers.
4. Enjoy! These Vanilla Matcha Frosting Cupcakes are a delightful treat for matcha lovers and those seeking a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Matcha Frosting Cupcakes

• Quality Matcha Matters: Use a good quality culinary or latte-grade matcha powder for the best flavour and colour in your frosting.
• Customise the Sweetness: Vanilla frosting is typically sweet; matcha adds a subtle bitterness. Adjust the amount of icing sugar and matcha powder to find your perfect balance.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If too thin, add a bit more icing sugar.
• Get Creative! Consider using other cupcake bases like chocolate or lemon for even more flavour combinations.