Sour Cream Floral Cupcakes
Indulge in the timeless elegance of these Sour Cream Floral Cupcakes, inspired by the renowned Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. Each cupcake is a delightful blend of rich, creamy texture and subtle vanilla undertones, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated afternoon tea, these cupcakes are adorned with fresh flowers, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your dessert table. Their moist, tender crumb and luscious frosting create a memorable tasting experience for all who savor them.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
18 tablespoons (none)
sugar
3 cups (none)
extra large eggs
6 (room temperature)
sour cream
1 cup (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
cornstarch
1/3 cup (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (room temperature, for frosting)
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (room temperature)
confectioners' sugar
3/4 pound (sifted)
vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place paper liners in a muffin tin for 20-24 cupcakes.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 18 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 cups of sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3
3. Add the eggs two at a time, ensuring they are at room temperature, and continue mixing on medium speed. This step helps achieve a smooth batter.
4
4. Incorporate 1 cup of room temperature sour cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the batter, mixing gently.
5
5. In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
6
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
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7. Fill each cupcake liner with the batter until they are 3/4 full. This will ensure the cupcakes have room to rise while baking.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
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9. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
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10. For the frosting, in another bowl, beat together 1 1/2 cups of room temperature unsalted butter, two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, 3/4 pound of sifted confectioners' sugar, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract on low speed until smooth and creamy.
11
11. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each cooled cupcake. For a special touch, decorate each cupcake with a fresh flower of your choice. Ensure the flowers used are non-toxic and safe for garnishing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sour Cream Floral Cupcakes?
Sour Cream Floral Cupcakes are moist, vanilla-flavored treats topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and decorated with fresh, non-toxic flowers.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
The recipe yields approximately 20 to 24 cupcakes depending on how full you fill the liners.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake the cupcakes for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
What type of frosting is used for these cupcakes?
The cupcakes are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting made with butter, cream cheese, and confectioners' sugar.
Why is sour cream used in the cupcake batter?
Sour cream adds moisture and creates a rich, creamy texture and a tender crumb.
What size eggs should be used for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 extra-large eggs.
Should the eggs and sour cream be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature eggs and sour cream helps achieve a smooth and even batter.
How much butter is required for the cupcake batter?
The batter requires 18 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much butter is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 1.5 cups of room temperature unsalted butter.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is cornstarch necessary for these cupcakes?
Yes, 1/3 cup of sifted cornstarch is used to help achieve a soft and delicate texture.
How much cream cheese is needed for the frosting?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese at room temperature.
How full should the cupcake liners be?
Fill each cupcake liner until they are 3/4 full to allow room for the batter to rise.
Why should I cream the butter and sugar first?
Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air, leading to a lighter cupcake.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda together ensures there are no lumps and even distribution.
What speed should I use for mixing the dry ingredients?
Use the mixer on low speed when adding dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.
What is the danger of overmixing the batter?
Overmixing can develop too much gluten, which makes the cupcakes tough rather than tender.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 and 3/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract: 1.5 teaspoons in the batter and 1.25 teaspoons in the frosting.
Can I use any type of flowers for decoration?
No, you must ensure the flowers are non-toxic and safe for garnishing food.
What kind of sugar is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses 3/4 pound of sifted confectioners' sugar.
How long should the cupcakes cool before frosting?
The cupcakes should be cooled completely to room temperature on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of standard salt.
What speed should the frosting be mixed at?
The frosting should be beaten on low speed until smooth and creamy.
Are these cupcakes suitable for formal events?
Yes, their elegant floral decoration and sophisticated flavor profile make them ideal for weddings or tea parties.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to allow you to control the exact amount of salt in the dessert.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 24 servings.
What is the role of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise and become airy during baking.