Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

One of my favorite flavors in the world is vanilla.  Give me vanilla over chocolate any day and I'm a happy camper.  I even love anything vanilla scented, such as my favorite Vanille Apricot perfume.  However, something even better than vanilla, is VANILLA BEAN.  When I see those little black flecks, in my ice cream especially, there's no denying that I'm going to want to try whatever it is in front of me.


Truth be told though, I don't really do a lot of baking with vanilla bean, because they're so expensive at the grocery store.  However, that's all going to change because vanilla beans are so easy to find now.  Lately I've been buying them from Cost Plus/World Market and they're like $4 for 2 pods.  Not too shabby for the ol wallet!


One of my first forays back in to the world of vanilla beans were these fantastic cupcakes from Hello, Cupcake! The batter was amazing - so velvety and rich!

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Ingredients: 
2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean pod
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs

Directions:Preheat oven to 350F and line 24 muffin cups with paper liners


Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Combine the milk, oil and vanilla extract in a small bowl.  Scrape the insides of one vanilla bean pod into the same bowl.

In another medium bowl, using a stand or electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add 1/3 of the flour mixture... combine just until blended.

Add 1/2 of the milk mixture... combine just until blended.

Add 1/2 of the remaining flour mixture... combine just until blended.

Add the remaining milk mixture... combine just until blended.

Add the remaining flour mixture and combine just until blended. Ensure the entire mixture is blended.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full... as written the recipe states to bake 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be very careful of the bake time - check them at the 10 minute mark to be safe - do not overbake these or they will be dry.  (I had one batch in for about 16 minutes and they were starting to dry out a bit - another batch for 14 minutes and they were perfect!)

Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes... then remove from pan and place on wire rack until cooled completely.


Source:  The Repressed Pastry Chef, as adapted from "Hello, Cupcake!"