The Fluffiest Cupcakes in the World

I couldn't believe that it was my first time making cupcakes--these turned out absolutely perfect. They are light and fluffy and just utterly gorgeous. If heaven has a taste, I'm sure this is it. I used "Fluffy White Frosting" from recipezaar, but honestly, these are perfect by themselves. [from crazyaboutcupcakes.com] NB: the directions call for an electric mixer but i don't own one, i did all the beating by hand and it was just fine.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 2  tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F Line cupcake pans with liners.
2. With an electric mixer on medium speed beat the butter until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
3. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk until combined.
5. In a small bowl with a clean mixer on high speed beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. With a rubber spatula stir a little of the whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whites until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full. Bake for about 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan.