Foryoueats: Chocolate Cupcakes With Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• Chocolate Cupcakes:
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk*, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or hot coffee (decaf is fine)
• Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, plus more as needed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
• salt, to taste
• optional for garnish: sprinkles