Cupcakes from Scratch with Colorful Frosting

Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Prepare cupcake tray with cupcake liners.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool 5 minutes.

Buttercream Frosting:

Cut the butter in small pieces. Mix the butter by hand until soft or using a mixer for 5-7 minutes. Beat until the butter looks light, scraping down the bowl once in a while.

Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix for about 1 minute on low, then increase to medium and beat another 3 minutes until fully incorporated into the butter, then add the vanilla extract.

Add heavy whipping cream. Beat on low until the ingredients start to mix together, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 3-5 minutes.

Divide the frosting into four smaller bowls then incorporate colors. Add coloring small drops at a time and mix until you get the color you desire.

The amount of vanilla extract used will vary depending on whether you are using gel colors or liquid food coloring.