Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups

all-purpose

1 cup

cake flour

2 tsp

baking powder

1 1/4 tsp

salt

1 cup

milk

1/2 cup

plus 3 tablespoons half-and-half

1 tbsp

plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup

unsalted butter, (room temperature)

2 3/4 cups

sugar

large eggs

1 1/2 cups

fresh strawberries (or frozen strawberries that have been defrosted)

1 cup

butter, (softened)

2 1/2

to 3 cups confectioners' sugar, (divided)

1 tsp

vanilla extract