Best Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
A perfect vanilla cupcake is soft, fluffy, and packed with rich, sweet flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a casual gathering, or just craving a classic treat, these cupcakes are a simple yet delicious choice. Paired with creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.
These cupcakes are everything you want in a vanilla dessert—light, airy, and bursting with flavor. The subtle sweetness of vanilla shines through in every bite, and they’re perfect for topping with your favorite frosting or enjoying as-is for a delightful treat.
Tools to Use
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Cupcake liners
- Muffin tin
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
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Best Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Cupcake liners
- Muffin tin
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Optional:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
Tips for Cooking
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and lighter cupcakes.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a different flavor, you can add cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream, or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These vanilla cupcakes are a classic for a reason—they’re simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the frosting to suit any occasion or flavor preference. They’re great for kids and adults alike, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
These vanilla cupcakes are the perfect balance of light and flavorful. Whether you’re topping them with a swirl of frosting or enjoying them plain, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. Happy baking!
