Vanilla Cupcakes

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delightfully fluffy and sweet, these Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:39:47.359Z

These Vanilla Cupcakes are a classic treat that brings joy to any gathering. Made with simple ingredients, they are light and fluffy, making them a perfect canvas for your favorite frosting or toppings.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

  • Light and fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible
  • Versatile base for any frosting or topping you desire
  • Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat

The Perfect Cupcake Base

These Vanilla Cupcakes are not just a treat; they're a canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. With a light and fluffy texture, they serve as the perfect base for any frosting or topping you can imagine. Whether you prefer a classic buttercream, a rich cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, these cupcakes will elevate your dessert game and impress your guests.

The balance of sweetness in these cupcakes is particularly noteworthy. They aren't overly sweet, allowing the rich flavors of vanilla to shine through. This makes them an excellent choice for pairing with stronger flavors, such as chocolate ganache or berry compote. No matter how you choose to frost them, you can be assured that the cupcakes themselves will always be a delightful addition to your dessert table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From birthday parties to casual gatherings, these Vanilla Cupcakes are incredibly versatile. Their simple yet elegant flavor makes them suitable for a wide range of events. You can easily customize them for holidays, weddings, or even themed parties by changing up the frosting or adding colorful sprinkles.

Additionally, these cupcakes are not just for celebrations. They can be enjoyed as an everyday sweet treat, perfect for an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Batch bake them over the weekend, and you’ll have a delightful snack ready to brighten up your week.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Vanilla Cupcakes come out perfectly every time, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using the right amounts of flour, sugar, and butter is crucial to achieving that ideal fluffy texture. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements if you're serious about baking.

Another important tip is to let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, ensuring that your cupcakes look as beautiful as they taste. If you're in a rush, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the cupcakes in the refrigerator for a short time.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds 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 completely before frosting with your favorite icing.

Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Cupcakes with friends and family!

Storing Your Cupcakes

Proper storage is key to keeping your Vanilla Cupcakes fresh. If you have leftover cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent them from becoming stale.

If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unfrosted cupcakes. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.

Creative Variations

While these Vanilla Cupcakes are delicious as they are, you can easily modify the recipe to introduce new flavors. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit purees to the batter for a fun twist. Lemon zest or almond extract can also be used to enhance the flavor profile.

For a seasonal touch, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during the fall, or swapping in peppermint extract during the winter holidays. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with flavors will keep your baking exciting!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will make your cupcakes even lighter.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Yes, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Delightfully fluffy and sweet, these Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 2 tsp vanilla extract
  7. 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
  8. 1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  4. 2 tbsp milk

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.

Step 06

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with your favorite icing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g