1.Bake the Cupcakes

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with your favorite liners.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
• In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth.
• Fill the cupcake liner until two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let them cool completely before moving on to the filling.

2. Create the Surprise Center

This is where the fun happens!

• When the cupcakes are totally cooled, use a small knife or special cupcake corer to cut a small round out of the middle of each cupcake (not all the way through). Save the little “lids” you cut off.
• Fill the hole with pink or blue frosting, sprinkles, or candy.
• Replace the cupcake top to hide the filling—it doesn’t need to be perfect since the frosting will cover it!

3. Frost Like a Pro

Now for the frosting. Whip the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

• Frost them using either a piping bag or spatula. You can keep it classic or go all out with swirls, rosettes, or even ombre designs.