Today is Dudes Cook Too's one year birthday! I can't believe it's been a year! When I started this blog, I had no idea the following I would get in just one year. I honestly have people visiting this blog on a regular basis from countries I've never heard of. It's humbling, and I'm very blessed to have seen the success this blog has had. I've also enjoyed getting to know other food bloggers as well. This blog has changed so much of my life, and we've loved every minute of it.

It's not the making of the food that's so enjoyable... it's seeing so many people love it and enjoy it. That's what makes it worth while. Thank you all!

For Dudes Cook Too's birthday, I decided to make cupcakes. I have to be honest. I hate making cupcakes. I like eating cupcakes (several at a time), but I'm not a fan of actually making them. It's tedious. I'd much rather make a two-layer cake and slather icing all over it and be done. Please don't tell anyone, though. Food bloggers are supposed to enjoy making cupcakes. These cupcakes are dressed to impress. It's a vanilla bean cake with a strawberry whipped cream filling topped with a chocolate buttercream frosting.

When you start with butter and sugar, you know it's going to be good. These cupcakes are light, yet rich, and the strawberry whipped cream filling adds a wow factor that can't be ignored. *(cupcakes and frosting from Joy the Baker)

*makes 24 cupcakes

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

For the Filling:

2 heaping tablespoons strawberry glaze

As soon as you remove the cupcakes from the oven, while they are still hot, press a hole center of the cupcake making room for the filling. Next, let the cupcakes cool completely. Then, pipe the strawberry whipped cream into the cupcake just until it reaches the top.

Then, frost your cupcakes.
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