Liberty Cupcakes!

For all my American Blogging Friends, I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July filled with fun, family and food.

Liberty Cupcakes

(for those not inclined towards the red, white and blue it can easily be changed)

For best time management make the custard first or even a day ahead

Cupcakes

1 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• whisk butter, yogurt, eggs and vanilla together
• mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together
• slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients
• mix until light and fluffy
• fill cupcake liners 3/4 full
• cook 20-25 minutes

Vanilla Cream Custard with Blueberries and Raspberries

2 egg yolks

1/4 sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 1/2 teaspoon

1 pinch salt

1 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup blueberries

1 cup raspberries

• Whisk yolks until smooth and set aside
• Crush the blueberries and raspberries
• Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat
• Add milk in a slow constant stream. 
• Whisk until mixture begins to bubble and thicken
• Pour 1/3 of the milk into the yolks, whisking constantly
• Pour the yolk mixture into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick
• Stir in the vanilla and crushed berries
• Transfer the custard into a bowl and press plastic wrap directly on the surface
• Refrigerate until cold (at least 1 hour)

Maple Buttercream Frosting

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 1/2 cup whole milk

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cup butter at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons maple syrup, the real stuff!

• In a saucepan whisk flour and sugar together, add milk and cream
• Cook over medium heat until boils and thickens
• transfer mixture to a bowl and beat on high until cool
• turn mixer to low and add butter a little at a time - when all the butter is incorporated increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy
• add vanilla and maple syrup

Assembly

• Once cupcakes are cool, cut out a plug from the center and fill with custard
• Pipe on Frosting
• Add decorations

Enjoy!