These cupcakes are not my first ones made using olive oil and I wouldn't even say that they are the best. However, this is the first time that I used olive oil in the frosting.
Soak basil leaves in the olive oil for at least an hour. You can also muddle them to help release the basil's natural oils.
Pour oil through a sieve to remove the basil. Squeeze out as much oil as you can. No matter how hard you try, some will remain on the leaves. It's OK. You only need to end up with 2/3 cup of oil.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and olive oil and mix on high speed until completely combined.
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and mix on slow speed.
Add half of the wine and continue mixing.
Add another 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by the rest of the wine and the remaining flour mixture and beat until combined between each addition.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until they bounce back when touched.
Olive Oil Buttercream Instructions
Mix together sugar and butter until they are blended and creamy.
Add olive oil and continue to beat for another minute.
Add more confectioners' sugar to make the frosting stiffer, if desired.