Kittencal's Easy One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This recipe goes back over 20 years, I like the simplicity of this recipe and for a one bowl cupcake they are pretty darn good, 1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract may be used in place of the vanilla, using butter in place of shortening will alter the texture it is best to only use shortening --- if you don't have paper liners grease the tins generously or see my Pan Release, Professional Pan Coating (Better Than Pam Spray!)

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 18 cupcakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar (can use 1-1/4 cup for a less sweeter taste ,or can use 3/4 cup Splenda)
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup shortening (very soft but not melted, Crisco is best)
• ¾ cup milk (or half and half cream)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla (or use 1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract)
• 2 large eggs

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour with sugar, baking powder and salt until combined.
3. Add in the shortening cream or milk, vanilla and eggs; beat on medium speed of an electric mixer scraping the bowl constantly until just blended (the batter will be thick, if desired you may add in a few more tablespoons cream or milk).
4. Pour into paper-lined regular size muffin tins filling under just three-quarters full.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the cupcakes test done (do not overbake as they will be dry).
6. Immediately remove from pans.
7. Cool completely before frosting.
8. *Note* if desired 1-1/2 tsp almond extract may be used instead of vanilla, for a almond flavor.

Reviews

[Secret Agent]

I made this recipe yesterday and they were so horrible I threw them away. They were hollow, greasy, looked like bad yorkshire pudding. Made them again today because DH said I had to have done something wrong. Same results. I was sure it wasn't me because I am a mis en place kinda cook. I thought since it was Kitten they would be perfect. Save yourself the grief and try a different cupcake. DH is trying to take a photo so you can see todays disaster. I am so sorry. We were trying recipes for a wedding shower for 125 people and thank goodness I didn't give the recipe to the helpers. Sorry Kittencal.

[Birkkae]

These were weird. I followed the recipe exactly. They had a very cornbread like texture. And to my surprise, even a bit of a cornbread taste! ....like a vanilla cornbread. They still tasted alright, just strange. If someone gave me one, I would probably eat it. However, I do not intend to make them again.

[Baking Bunny]

This was a decent vanilla cupcake with not much cleanup. I think it had more of a corn bread consistency then a cake (I don't know how else to describe it).