Cupcakes With Freeze-Dried Black Raspberry Powder

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Black Raspberry Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried black raspberry powder
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh black raspberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

For the Black Raspberry Frosting:

1. In a blender or food processor, pulse the freeze-dried black raspberry powder until it becomes a fine powder.

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and black raspberry powder, beating until well combined.

4. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembly:

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the black raspberry frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.

2. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with fresh black raspberries.

3. Serve and enjoy these delightful black raspberry cupcakes!

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and showcase the unique flavor of black raspberries. The freeze-dried black raspberry powder adds a burst of fruity goodness to both the cupcakes and the frosting.