Best Vanilla Bean Cupcakes Recipes

GEORGE CARAMELIN: CHOCOLATE CINNAMON CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN BOURBON FROSTING, BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE, AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line standard cupcake pans with 18 cupcake liners.
• Sift the sugar, flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Set the bowl aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just incorporated. Add vinegar and incorporate. Do not over mix the batter.
• Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake until a toothpick inserted into each cupcake comes out clean, 19 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely.
• For the sauce: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the sugar and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Let boil until the mixture starts to turn brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir with a whisk. Add the bourbon and salt and continue stirring. Once the bubbling stops, add the margarine and whisk until melted and distributed. Let cool completely and pour into a clean squirt bottle.
• For the pecans: In a large bowl, toss the pecans with the melted margarine until all the pecans are coated. In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon, sugar, and sea salt. Toss into the pecan mixture and coat evenly. Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the pecans are not overlapping. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool completely.
• For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the shortening and margarine until completely combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. On low speed, slowly add the sugar a little at a time. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla paste and bourbon and mix on low until the liquids are incorporated. Scrape the bottom of the bowl and mix on medium-high speed until all the ingredients are combined and the frosting is fluffy, about 2 minutes. Put the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
• To assemble: With a plastic drinking straw or a small paring knife, make holes in the center of each cupcake. Squeeze the bourbon caramel sauce into the center of the cupcake until filled but not overflowing, about 1 tablespoon per cupcake. Pipe a dollop of vanilla bean bourbon frosting onto of each cupcake. Drizzle the top with more bourbon caramel sauce and sprinkle with candied pecans to garnish.

VANILLA BEAN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Split vanilla beans lengthwise; using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape seeds from the center into creamed mixture. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Fill prepared cups half full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Decorate with sprinkles and coarse sugar as desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Freeze option: Freeze cooled cupcakes in resealable freezer containers. To use, thaw at room temperature. Frost as directed.

VANILLA BEAN-COCONUT CUPCAKES WITH COCONUT FROSTING

Steps:

• For reduced coconut milk:
• Bring coconut milk to boil in large deep saucepan over medium-high heat (coconut milk will boil up high in pan). Reduce heat to mediumlow; boil until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely. Transfer to small bowl. Cover; chill (coconut milk will settle slightly as it cools). DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• For cupcakes:
• Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line eighteen 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add sugar; beat on medium-high speed until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and occasionally scraping down sides of bowl. Beat in seeds from vanilla bean and remaining egg. Add half of flour mixture; mix on low speed just until blended. Add 1 cup reduced coconut milk; mix just until blended. Add remaining flour mixture; mix on low speed just until blended. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake cupcakes until tops spring back when gently touched and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer cupcakes in pans to rack; cool 10 minutes. Carefully remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on rack.
• For frosting:
• Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add sugar, 1/3 cup reduced coconut milk, seeds from vanilla bean, and salt. Beat on medium-low speed until blended, scraping down sides of bowl. Increase to mediumhigh and beat until light and fluffy.
• Using pastry bag fitted with large star tip, pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. (Alternatively, top each cupcake with 2 tablespoons frosting. Using small offset spatula, swirl frosting over top of cupcakes, leaving 1/2-inch plain border.) Sprinkle with coconut. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight containers; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Available at many supermarkets and at Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin markets.

MINI VANILLA BEAN YELLOW CUPCAKES WITH CREAMY CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Steps:

• Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 F. Fill mini-muffin tins with cupcake liners and spray the liners with baking spray.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1 1/2 cups cane sugar together in a large bowl. Whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, vanilla seeds and egg yolks in a medium bowl.
• In a clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites at medium-high speed until foamy, about 30 seconds. With the machine running, gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Continue to beat until stiff peaks just form, 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside. Wash the bowl and dry.
• Add the flour mixture to the now-empty mixing bowl. With the mixer running at low speed with the whisk attachment, gradually pour in the butter mixture and mix until almost incorporated (a few streaks of dry flour will remain), about 15 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape the whisk and sides of the bowl. Return the mixer to medium-low speed and beat until smooth and fully incorporated, 10 to 15 seconds.
• Using a rubber spatula, stir one-third of the whites into the batter to lighten. Then add the remaining whites and gently fold into the batter until no white streaks remain.
• Fill the mini-muffin tin liners three-quarters full and bake until just firm, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cool, and then frost with Creamy Chocolate Frosting.
• Add the butter, sugar, cocoa and salt to a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl once or twice, about 30 seconds. Add the corn syrup, vanilla and espresso powder and process just until combined, about 10 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl one more time, and then drizzle in the chocolate. Pulse until the frosting is creamy, about 15 seconds.

WINNING RECIPE CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 regular size cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract until blended. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until blended. Stir in the apples.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched with your finger, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the pans for a few minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Either pipe Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting onto the cupcakes using a pastry bag and your favorite tip, or spread each cupcake with the frosting. Drizzle each cupcake with caramel syrup.
• In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and thoroughly blended. Slowly add the powdered sugar and salt. Mix until smooth.

ORANGE-VANILLA BEAN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla seeds, and orange zest until pale and fluffy. With mixer running, add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl.
• Combine cream, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Sift togetherflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low speed, addflour mixture to butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with cream mixture, ending with flour; beat until just combined.
• Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until testers inserted in the centers come out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool in tins on wire racks. Undecorated cupcakes will keep, covered, for up to 1 day (or frozen for up to 2 months).
• Using a serrated knife, trim tops of each cupcake to make level. Using an offset spatula, frost tops of each cupcake with some buttercream. Place a candied citrus slice on each cupcake. Fit a pastry bag with a small plain tip, and fill with remaining buttercream. Pipe dots around edges of orange slices. Cupcakes will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before serving.

WINNING RECIPE CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 regular size cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract until blended. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until blended. Stir in the apples.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched with your finger, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the pans for a few minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Either pipe Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting onto the cupcakes using a pastry bag and your favorite tip, or spread each cupcake with the frosting. Drizzle each cupcake with caramel syrup.

LEMON RASPBERRY CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line 24 standard muffin tins with paper liners.
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.
• With an electric mixer with paddle attachment or stand mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3 or 4 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl down the sides as necessary.
• Beat in the lemon zest and the vanilla.
• Mix the lemon juice and the buttermilk together.
• Add the buttermilk/lemon mixture and the flour mixture to the batter in thirds. Pour 1/3 the flour mixture, then 1/3 the buttermilk mixture, beating until just combined, then repeat.
• Divide batter evenly between muffin cups. It usually works out to right around 1/4 cup of filling per cup.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, until cake tester comes out clean.
• Cool completely.
• While cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. With a stand mixer with whisk attachment or a hand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds.
• With a paring knife, slice the vanilla bean length-wise, then scrape the seeds out with the tip of the knife. Add to the butter, and mix until incorporated.
• Add powdered sugar and salt, and beat on low until the powdered sugar is incorporated, about one minute. Increase the speed to medium and mix for another 30 seconds or so.
• Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and mix on medium for about 30 seconds until incorporated.
• Increase the speed to medium high, and beat for about four minutes, scraping down as needed, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
• Now add the raspberry to the cupcakes. Using a cupcake corer, melon baller or teaspoon, remove a bit out of the top of the cake.
• Add about a teaspoon and a half of raspberry jam.
• Fill a pastry bag (or plastic zipper bag which is what I do in lieu of a pastry bag) with the buttercream and the tip of your choice, and frost!
• Plop the top with one fresh raspberry. Enjoy!
• They keep well at room temperature for a couple of days.

VANILLA BEAN CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA FROSTING

Steps:

• Let eggs stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In medium bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups flour, the baking powder and salt.
• Heat oven to 375°F. (For dark or nonstick pans, heat oven to 350°F.) In large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter, seeds from 1 vanilla bean, and 1 1/2 cups sugar with electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture alternately with 1 cup milk, beating after each addition just until smooth. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Stir in sour cream.
• Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filing each about three-fourths full. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for frosting, in 4-quart saucepan beat 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup flour with whisk. Beat in 2 cups milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, beating constantly. Cook 1 minute longer as it boils. Remove from heat; immediately pour into ungreased 2-quart baking dish or shallow pan with sides. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until cooled.
• In large bowl, beat 2 cups softened butter and seeds from 1 vanilla bean with electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add cooled flour mixture by 1/4 cupfuls; beat on high speed until smooth. Beat in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
• Place frosting in large resealable freezer bag. Cut off one bottom corner to create 1-inch opening. Pipe frosting in circular motion over cupcakes. Garnish with raspberries and mint.

CHOCOLATE STOUT CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• In large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, oil and beer with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• Bake about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In medium bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium-low speed until combined. Gradually beat in milk. Cut vanilla bean in half and scrape out seeds. Discard bean; add seeds to frosting. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes.

VANILLA BEAN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Scrape vanilla bean seeds into microwavable bowl; add beans to bowl, cover beans with 3/4 cup milk. Microwave on High 1 minute or until mixture boils. Let stand 15 minutes. Remove beans. Add remaining milk to warm milk mixture, stir well. Reserve 1/4 cup milk mixture.
• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture and milk mixture, beating just until blended. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove to cooling racks. Cool completely. in large bowl beat frosting ingredients on low speed until blended, adding 1 tablespoon reserved milk mixture at time. Frost cupcakes.

VANILLA BEAN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line muffin tins with baking cups.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and eggs/whites together with an electric mixer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium mixing bowl. Add the flour mixture, milk, oil, and vanilla to the eggs. Split the vanilla bean from end to end and scrape the seeds out with a knife. Add to the mix and incorporate the ingredients together slowly, just until the batter is smooth. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full.
• Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA BEAN FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line 2 muffin pans with 16 paper liners.
• In a small saucepan, combine cherries with water. Bring to a boil. Transfer mixture (cherries and water) to a food processor. Add cocoa, chocolate and butter, and pulse until combined. Cool 1 minute. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and puree until almost smooth.
• Pulse in eggs until well combined. Whisk together flour and baking soda in a bowl and add to food processor. Pulse until just combined.
• Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven until tops are slightly domed and firm to the touch, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool cupcakes in pans on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on rack.
• Scrape vanilla bean seeds into bowl. Add cream cheese and confectioners' sugar and beat well. Pipe or spread frosting on to cupcakes.

VANILLA BEAN HAZELNUT CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a standard cupcake or muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
• In medium bowl, whisk together with an electric mixer or hand whisk the flour mix, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt and xanthan gum until well integrated. Add in the soy milk, oil, vanilla and vinegar, and mix until smooth.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters-full with batter. Fill a pastry bag with the chocolate hazelnut spread and cup 1/4-inch off the tip. Fill each cupcake with 1 tablespoon chocolate hazelnut spread. Sprinkle the tops of each cupcake with 1 tablespoon Candied Hazelnuts and bake until baked through, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely.
• To assemble: Generously frost each cupcake with the marbled Vanilla Bean and Hazelnut Frostings. Top with a sprinkle of the remaining candied hazelnuts.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the hazelnuts, granulated sugar, maple syrup and salt until the hazelnuts are evenly coated. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Mix the powdered sugar, nondairy margarine, soy milk, vanilla extract, vanilla seeds and salt with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Fill half the side of a pastry bag with the frosting and set aside.
• Mix the powdered sugar, nondairy margarine, soy milk, chocolate hazelnut spread and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Use the same pasty bag with the vanilla bean frosting and add the hazelnut frosting to the other half of the bag for a marble effect. Cut 1/2-inch off the tip.