1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 eggs, room temperature 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 cup milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350 degrees Butter tin and dust with cocoa powder, or, use cupcake liners Cream butter until smooth Add sugar gradually, beating until fluffy Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition Mix flour and baking powder and add in 3 or 4 parts, alternating with milk, mixing after each addition Add vanilla and mix Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop batter into prepared tin Bake for 18-20 minutes, until tester inserted in middle comes out clean Let cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting Recipe makes 24 cupcakes