Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for the ghostly vanilla cupcakes recipe.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a large stand mixer bowl, cream the 0.5 cup of softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the egg and egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla bean paste.
Step 5: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour for this ghostly vanilla cupcakes recipe.
Step 6: Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: For the frosting, beat the remaining butter and powdered sugar with the cream until a stiff, pipeable peak forms.
Step 8: Use a large round piping tip to pipe three tiers of frosting onto each cooled cupcake, creating a ghost shape, and add chocolate chip eyes.