Masterchefette's Confetti Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

There's nothing that makes you feel more like a kid than colourful frosting with lashings of sprinkles and candied confetti. Well taking some "pintrespiration" (pinterest inspiration) I came up with these little babies yesterday and I think they are perfect for birthday parties or for some good old baking fun. I have used the base from my chocolate chip muffins post found here.
  
Confetti Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Ingredients

1¾ cups Cake & Biscuit Flour (Self-Raising) (I use Lighthouse brand)

¾ cup sugar 

½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs 

125gm butter or margarine
1 cup vanilla yoghurt (I use Danone Vanilla)
Nemar Heart Sprinkles

1 tsp of vanilla bean paste (I use Queen Organic Vanilla Bean Paste)

Method

1.   Preheat oven to 170°C (fan forced)

2.   Cream butter, sugar and vanilla bean paste in an electric mixer until light and fluffy, I use the paddle attachment.

3.   Add eggs to the mixture.

4.   Gradually add salt and flour in 3 batches.

5.   Once combined gradually add the yoghurt.

6.   Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ⅔ full.

7. Sprinkle some hearts into each case and give it a light stir with the end of a teaspoon.

8.   Bake at 180°C (fan forced) for 20-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Vanilla Bean Frosting

Ingredients

375 grams unsalted butter 

3 cups sifted icing sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste

Method

1. In an electric mixer using the paddle attachment whip butter for 7 minutes on medium speed until pale and fluffy.

2. Turn mixer down to low speed and add icing sugar, vanilla and milk until combined.

3. Mix on medium setting for a further 6 minutes.

4. Butter-cream should be very fluffy and pale.

5. Add your favourite colouring or leave natural colour.

6. Pipe on top and serve with additional heart sprinkles.