STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CUPCAKES

Batter:

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup milk, at room temperature 

Topping:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Strawberry jam 

Make the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners. 

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, baking powder and salt. 

In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the sugar with the eggs and vanilla extract at medium-high speed until smooth and thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and oil and beat until incorporated, scraping the bottom and side of the bowl. Add the dry ingredients and milk in 3 alternating batches, beating well between additions. Carefully pour the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling them about two-thirds full. 

Bake the cupcakes in the center of the oven for 20 to 23 minutes, until springy and a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool slightly in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter at medium speed until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt and beat the mixture at low speed just until combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth. Add the milk or heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. 

Mix the frosting with strawberry jam to taste. Spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and serve. 

Make Ahead:

The unfrosted cupcakes can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. The white buttercream frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight plastic container for up to 2 days. Return to room temperature before using.