Disney Cars Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2/3 cup sugar (preferably organic)
• 3 large eggs (preferably pasture raised)
• zest from 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 cups organic unbleached flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups organic powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons light cream or milk (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup butter (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F.

2. Put paper liners in 12 muffin cups.

3. Combine butter and sugar; beat with a mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well as you go. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest and beat into cupcakes.

4. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.

5. Add half the flour, then add milk, then add flour, while mixing at low speed. If necessary, scrape the sides of the bowl so mixture stays together.

6. Fill muffin cups with approximately the same amount of batter. Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. Cupcakes should be nicely browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Set aside to cool.

7. For the frosting: cream the butter until well blended and smooth. Add vanilla extract. Gradually beat in sugar. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the milk; beat on high speed until you get a light and fluffy frosting. This should take about 3/4 minutes. If necessary, add more milk or sugar. You can use food coloring to change the color of the frosting, if you'd like.