What's Cooking - Neapolitan Cupcakes

It's been a while since I've baked anything, but I couldn't resist making these babies right here! 

This past weekend I took a trip to the Farmers Market and picked up a coulpe of baskets of strawberries and what better way to put them to use right?  This is definitely a great treat for that office Halloween Party this year!  You'll definitely be the talk of the office!  Enjoy!!

Vanilla Batter (Makes 24 cupcakes)

• 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp.salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Chocolate Batter

• 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Prepare both vanilla and chocolate batters; fill muffin cups with 3 tablespoons of each, side by side.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a standard 12-cup muffin pan, or use paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; add vanilla, and mix until combined. On low speed, beat in half the flour mixture, followed by milk; end with remaining flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated (do not over mix).

Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, 22 to 24 minutes. Cool cupcakes in pan, 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with strawberry icing.

Icing Ingredients

1/2 cup whole fresh strawberries or frozen berries (thawed)
1/2 lb Butter
8oz Cream Cheese
1lb Box Confectioners Sugar
1tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Place strawberries in small food processor; process until pureed.  In an electric mixer, cream together butter, cream cheese then slowly add confectioners sugar until mixed well.  Add vanilla and strawberry puree mix until just blended. Do not overmix or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.