For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Golden Buttercream Frosting:

1. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add Heavy Cream and Flavoring: Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Color the Frosting: Add yellow food coloring to the frosting to achieve a golden hue. You can add more or less food coloring to reach your desired shade.

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

1. Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil). Remove from heat and add the semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
2. Drizzle the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it over the top of the cooled cupcakes. This step is optional but adds a delicious richness to the cupcakes.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

1. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the golden buttercream frosting onto each cupcake.
2. Add the Gold Decorations: Sprinkle each cupcake with gold sprinkles to complete the “pot o’ gold” look. If you made the chocolate ganache, drizzle it over the frosting for a glossy finish.
3. Serve: Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then serve your Pot o’ Gold Cupcakes and enjoy!