Vanilla Cupcakes

Name: Vanilla Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Light, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:45:44.775Z

Vanilla Cupcakes are a classic treat loved by many. Whether it's for a birthday, a special celebration, or just a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to bring joy to your table.

        Why You'll Love These Vanilla Cupcakes
        Delicate vanilla flavor that is both sweet and aromatic
Fluffy texture that is perfect for frosting
Versatile base for endless flavor variations

      

Perfect for Any Occasion

These vanilla cupcakes are the ultimate treat for any celebration, whether it's a birthday party, wedding, or just a cozy family gathering. Their light and fluffy texture makes them a delightful dessert that everyone will love. You can easily dress them up with colorful frosting and sprinkles or keep them simple for a more elegant touch. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests.

What’s great about these cupcakes is their versatility. They can be enjoyed plain, iced, or filled with your favorite jams or creams. Each bite is a burst of sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to customize, allowing you to create unique flavor variations that suit your personal taste.

The Science Behind Fluffy Cupcakes

Achieving the perfect fluffy texture in cupcakes is an art, and understanding the role of your ingredients is key. The combination of creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets in the batter, which expand during baking to give your cupcakes that light, airy quality. Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, ensures a smooth batter that mixes well and rises beautifully.

Another crucial factor is the leavening agent. In this recipe, baking powder plays a vital role in helping the cupcakes rise. It's essential to measure your baking powder accurately; too little will result in dense cupcakes, while too much can cause them to rise rapidly and then collapse. For the best results, always double-check your measurements and keep your ingredients fresh.

Frosting Tips for the Perfect Finish

Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, it's time to add the finishing touch: frosting! A classic buttercream frosting complements these vanilla cupcakes perfectly. To achieve the ideal consistency, remember to add the heavy cream or milk gradually until you reach your desired thickness. A thicker frosting is great for piping, while a thinner frosting can be perfect for spreading.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors in your frosting as well. Adding a touch of cocoa powder, lemon zest, or even a splash of almond extract can elevate your frosting to new heights. Color your frosting with food coloring for a fun and festive look, especially if you're making these cupcakes for a special occasion. Get creative, and have fun with the presentation!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk 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 until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Decorate your cupcakes with your favorite frosting and enjoy!

Storing Your Vanilla Cupcakes

To keep your vanilla cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you have leftover cupcakes, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost as desired.

Flavor Variations to Try

While these vanilla cupcakes are delicious as is, you can easily switch things up by adding different flavors. For a chocolate twist, substitute a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. For a fruity addition, consider folding in some fresh berries or citrus zest into the batter before baking.

Another fun variation is to fill your cupcakes with a surprise center. Use a pastry bag to inject your favorite jam, custard, or even chocolate ganache into the center of the cooled cupcakes. This adds an exciting element that your guests will love and makes for a delightful flavor experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but the measurements may vary slightly.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.