Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for Vanilla Cupcakes that are fluffy, moist, and perfect for any occasion! You’ll also find a quick vanilla buttercream recipe to top them off.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
Fill the Cupcake Liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
Beat the Butter:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Adjust Consistency:
- Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat on high speed for a few minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each cupcake. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired!
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps to create a smooth, evenly mixed batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Enjoy your vanilla cupcakes! These are perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply as a sweet treat.
