Delightful Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Recipe

Name: Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); Cream cheese (optional)

Recipe By:

Hannah Mitchell

Posted:

April 9, 2025

Updated:

April 9, 2025

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When it comes to baking, few things can rival the sheer joy of biting into a soft, tender vanilla cupcake topped with a rich swirl of buttercream. The delightful aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising sweetness and comfort. Trust me; this is the kind of treat that makes you want to dance around the kitchen like no one is watching (even if your dog is giving you side-eye).

Picture this: A sunny afternoon filled with laughter as friends gather around a table adorned with these charming cupcakes. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that wraps you in nostalgia—reminding you of birthday parties from childhood where the biggest dilemma was choosing between chocolate or vanilla. Spoiler alert: vanilla always wins! Let’s dive into this scrumptious journey together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These vanilla cupcakes are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion
With a light and fluffy texture, they are sure to impress family and friends
The beautiful presentation adds a touch of elegance to any dessert table
Plus, you can easily customize them with different flavors or toppings to suit your mood

I remember the first time I made these cupcakes for my niece’s birthday party. The look on her face when she took her first bite was priceless—it was pure joy wrapped in sprinkles!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking; use fresh flour for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness; don’t skimp on it for flavor!
Baking Powder: This magical ingredient makes the cupcakes rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
Eggs: Large eggs add structure; make sure they’re at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for intense flavor; it’s worth it!
Milk: Whole milk provides moisture and richness; don’t substitute skim milk here!
Powdered Sugar: Essential for making that dreamy buttercream frosting.
Cream Cheese (optional): Add some for a tangy twist in your frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. The anticipation builds as you wait for that warm oven hug.

Whisk Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution—no one wants a salty cupcake!

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do it! You want it airy enough to float away if it could.

Add Eggs & Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in pure vanilla extract until everything blends beautifully. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those lovely air bubbles intact!

Bake Your Cupcakes!: Spoon batter into liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top—a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.

Make That Buttercream Frosting!: While cupcakes cool down, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed—thicker for piping or thinner for spreading.

Strongly consider adding some food coloring if you want fun shades—who doesn’t love colorful desserts?

With each step completed, you’re closer to indulging in these delightful treats. Enjoying them straight out of the oven while they’re still warm is highly recommended (and completely acceptable).

Now go ahead and invite someone special over—or don’t share at all!

You Must Know

Baking the perfect vanilla cupcakes is an art
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing
A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully
Remember, under-baking gives you that moist crumb, while over-baking makes them sad little cakes

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk for the ideal batter consistency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond extract or toss in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for a festive flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped and thaw before enjoying.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements; it ensures uniformity
Always sift your flour to avoid clumps and incorporate air
Cool cupcakes completely before frosting; warm cupcakes can melt your buttercream into a sad puddle

Baking these cupcakes always brings back memories of my childhood birthday parties filled with laughter and frosting-fueled chaos.

FAQs

FAQ

What makes vanilla cupcakes so special?

Vanilla cupcakes have a classic flavor that appeals to everyone and pairs well with various frostings.

Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Swap vanilla extract for almond or lemon for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

How can I make my buttercream frosting fluffier?

Beat your butter and sugar longer until light and fluffy, adding heavy cream as needed for consistency.

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