# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - All-purpose flour — 1 1/2 cups
02 - Baking powder — 1 1/2 teaspoons
03 - Salt — 1/4 teaspoon
04 - Unsalted butter, softened — 1/2 cup
05 - Granulated sugar — 1 cup
06 - Large eggs — 2
07 - Pure vanilla extract — 2 teaspoons
08 - Whole milk — 1/2 cup
→ Vanilla buttercream
09 - Unsalted butter, softened — 1/2 cup
10 - Powdered sugar — 2 cups
11 - Whole milk — 2 tablespoons
12 - Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon
13 - Salt — pinch
→ Pearl fondant toppers
14 - White fondant — 7 ounces
15 - Edible pearl dust or shimmer powder — as needed
16 - Small edible pearls (optional) — as needed
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners; position a rack in the center of the oven.
02 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Alternately add the dry mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about two-thirds full for proper rise.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
08 - Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before applying buttercream to prevent melting.
09 - Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar; incorporate the milk, vanilla and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Generously frost the cooled cupcakes with the prepared vanilla buttercream using a spatula or piping bag to create a smooth surface for toppers.
11 - Roll the fondant to approximately 1/8 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes (Cancer symbol, circles, etc.); brush lightly with edible pearl dust and attach small edible pearls as desired, placing each topper on the frosted cupcakes just before serving.
