# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
→ Vanilla Buttercream
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 tbsp whole milk
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Pearl Fondant Toppers
14 - 7 oz white fondant
15 - Edible pearl dust or shimmer powder
16 - Small edible pearls (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
08 - For the buttercream, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously with buttercream.
10 - Roll out fondant to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out shapes representing the Cancer zodiac symbol, circles, or desired topper shapes. Lightly brush with edible pearl dust and adorn with small edible pearls for added effect.
11 - Place fondant toppers on each frosted cupcake just before serving.
