King Cake Cupcakes For Fat Tuesday Or As The French Call It Mardi Gras

King Cake Cupcakes

Makes: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 stick Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs at room temperature lightly beaten before adding 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups Swans Down Cake Flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup whole milk
Purple, Yellow and Green Sugar

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven 350".

2.  In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer cream softened butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth.

3.  Sift flour, salt and baking soda, then fold into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

4.  Using mixer whip for 3 minutes.

5.  Line the cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

6.  Fill the cupcake liners with the batter and gently tap pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.

7.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.  

8.  Cool completely.

9.  Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting, then top with colored sugar.

 Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

12 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese, at room temperature

1 1/2 cup Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter at room temperature

1 1/2 cup powder sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  Place the room temperature cream cheese in a mixing bowl.

2.  Using a mixer, beat until smooth and creamy.

3.  Gradually add the butter and beating until smooth and blended.

4.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla all at once. Blend until just combined.