Marble cupcake with chocolate and vanilla

Marble cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla are a delightful treat with a pleasing swirl of flavors. Here's a simple recipe to make these tasty cupcakes:

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Batter:

• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batters:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make the Vanilla Batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Make the Chocolate Batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

2. Assemble the Cupcakes:

1. Spoon the Batters:

   • Spoon about a tablespoon of vanilla batter into each cupcake liner.
   • Add a tablespoon of chocolate batter on top of the vanilla batter.
   • Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marble effect. Be careful not to over-mix.

2. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Frosting (Optional):

1. Beat the Butter:

   • In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
   • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.

2. Frost the Cupcakes:

   • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the chocolate buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.

Tips:

• For extra marble effect, try not to over-swirl the batters; a few swirls are enough.
• You can add chocolate chips to either batter for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade marble cupcakes with the perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors!