# What You'll 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 (200 g) white fondant
15 - Edible pearl dust or shimmer powder
16 - Small edible pearls (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 (about 2/3 full each).
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 (3 mm) 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.
