Baking cupcakes is a delightful and straightforward process. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you create moist and flavorful vanilla cupcakes from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
Fill the Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Suggestions:
- Vanilla Buttercream: Cream together ½ cup (115g) of softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups (250g) of powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat ½ cup (115g) of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (60g) of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups (250g) of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Decoration Ideas:
Simple Sprinkles: After frosting, top your cupcakes with colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look.
Fruit Garnish: Place a fresh berry or a slice of fruit on top of each cupcake for a natural and elegant touch.
Piped Designs: Use a piping bag with different nozzles to create swirls, rosettes, or other decorative patterns with your frosting.
For more detailed instructions and visual guides, you might find these resources helpful:
Enjoy your baking experience!
