For the Cupcakes
1. Preheat your oven to 350F and line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Add the sugar and whisk to combine.
4. Next, add the flour and baking powder. Mix just until no large lumps remain.
5. Add the chopped blackberries and gently fold them into the cake batter– try not to overmix the batter! Mix just until the berries are incorporated.
6. Divide the cake batter between the muffin tins, filling each one with about ¼ cup of batter.
7. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
For the Blackberry Buttercream
1. Add the softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the butter is lightened-- about 30 seconds.
2. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar.
3. Once all of the powdered sugar has been incorporated, add the blackberry jam and vanilla extract.
4. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
6. Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.