Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes features a moist vanilla base topped with smooth milk chocolate frosting, adorned with delicate chocolate shavings for a rich and creamy indulgence.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cupcake/muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for filling liners)
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
- Grater or vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)
Ingredients
- For Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- For Milk Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For Decoration:
- Milk chocolate bar (for shavings)
Use unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and frosting consistency. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into your cup to avoid dense cupcakes caused by packing. Milk chocolate chips melt more evenly than chopped chocolate for a velvety frosting texture, but using chopped high-quality milk chocolate enhances flavor depth if you prefer. Whole milk adds richness and moisture to your cupcakes that lower-fat alternatives cannot replicate. Your homemade Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes will shine with a moist vanilla base, creamy milk chocolate frosting, and elegant chocolate shavings just like the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- With mixer on low, alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among liners using an ice cream scoop or spoon.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, melt milk chocolate gently and let cool slightly.
- In a new bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well.
- Pour in melted chocolate, mix until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes with offset spatula or butter knife.
- Use grater or vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from milk chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings over frosted cupcakes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes copycat menu uses a moist vanilla base and rich milk chocolate frosting to achieve the iconic flavor profile. If you don't have milk chocolate chips, semisweet or dark chocolate can be substituted, but expect a slightly less sweet frosting. When softened butter is not available, briefly warming butter in the microwave can help, but avoid melting it completely to maintain cupcake texture. You can replace whole milk with buttermilk or a milk alternative like almond milk for a different moistness and flavor depth. Ensure the chocolate shavings are grated just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent melting.
Tips
Measure ingredients precisely to ensure the cupcakes rise properly and maintain a moist texture. When incorporating flour and milk, mix on low speed to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to dense cupcakes. Use an ice cream scoop for consistent cupcake sizes, promoting even baking and uniform cooking times. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and losing its fluffy consistency.
Nutritions
Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes contain a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, largely sourced from all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, and milk. Each cupcake provides a rich supply of saturated fats and added sugars due to the butter, milk chocolate chips, and powdered sugar present in both the cake and frosting. The whole milk and heavy cream contribute calcium and vitamin D, while eggs add essential amino acids and micronutrients like vitamin B12. Your indulgence in these cupcakes delivers energy-dense nutrition but should be balanced with mindful portion control.
Storage
To keep your Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 5 days, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the moist texture and delicate frosting of the cupcakes.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute whole milk with buttermilk in the cupcake batter to introduce a tangy flavor and enhance moisture in your cupcakes. You can also replace milk chocolate chips in the frosting with dark chocolate chips to add a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the frosting to deepen the chocolate taste without overpowering the vanilla base. When decorating, switch chocolate shavings for cocoa nibs or crushed nuts to add texture and contrast to your dessert.
Allergies
This Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The milk chocolate frosting and decorations include dairy, and the cupcake batter contains gluten from all-purpose flour. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies, as cross-contamination or additional allergenic ingredients may be present in the final product.
Why this recipe?
The Vanilla Milk Chocolate Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes offers a perfect balance of smooth, creamy vanilla frosting and rich milk chocolate cake that delights the palate with every bite. Its moist texture and well-crafted flavors make it a favorite among dessert lovers seeking a classic yet indulgent treat. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this gourmet experience at your convenience, saving money while customizing sweetness and texture to your preference. Your homemade version can capture the signature taste of Sprinkles Cupcakes without the need to visit the store.