Dreamy Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Sweet vanilla cupcakes bring pure joy to any gathering, turning ordinary moments into delightful memories.

Soft, pillowy cakes melt in your mouth with rich, creamy goodness.

buttercream frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these treats irresistible.

Baking becomes an art form when you craft these delectable little pleasures.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender cake and silky smooth topping.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical in your kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with this classic dessert that never disappoints.

What’s Great About Vanilla Cupcakes with Frosting

• Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee success every single time.
• Whips up effortlessly in under an hour, making these cupcakes ideal for unexpected guests, school events, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Easily adaptable with different frosting colors, sprinkles, or decorative techniques that appeal to both kids and adults, transforming a basic recipe into a personalized treat.
• Delivers nostalgic, homemade goodness with traditional vanilla flavor that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, creating instant smiles and delightful memories.

Ingredients That Make These Vanilla Cupcakes Special

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base: .

• All Purpose Flour: Foundation for cupcake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor to cupcakes.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, moist batter.

• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

Frosting Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy, smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and thickness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness.

How to Bake Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with colorful cupcake liners.

Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) so it’s toasty and ready.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend until everything is evenly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together.

Beat vigorously until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks almost white.

This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.

Start and end with dry ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter smooth and tender.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully.

Step 7: Bake Cupcakes

Place muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cupcakes

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until it becomes creamy and smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 10: Adjust Frosting Consistency

If frosting seems too thick, add a splash of milk.

If it’s too thin, sprinkle in more powdered sugar.

Aim for a silky, spreadable texture.

Step 11: Decorate Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with your buttercream.

Use a piping bag for elegant swirls or simply spread with a knife for a rustic look.

Tips for Light Cupcakes and Fluffy Frosting

• Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantee consistent cupcake texture and taste every single time.
• Spend 3-4 minutes beating butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smoother batter and more tender cupcake crumb.
• Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the batter, avoiding overmixing to prevent tough, dense cupcakes that lack delicate texture.
• Keep eggs, butter, and milk at room temperature before mixing, helping ingredients blend more evenly and creating a more uniform cake structure.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking decorative finish.

How to Store and Reheat Cupcakes for Freshness

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from getting smudged.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
• Place cupcakes uncovered in the freezer for 1 hour until frosting hardens. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, let them come to room temperature naturally to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

Pairing Ideas for Vanilla Cupcakes and Frosting

• Pair Sweet Vanilla Comfort with Creamy Chai Latte: The warm, spicy notes of a chai latte beautifully complement the vanilla cupcakes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Enhance Dessert with Fresh Raspberry Spritzer: A light, tangy raspberry spritzer cuts through the richness of the buttercream, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match Cupcake Elegance with Classic Espresso: A shot of rich espresso intensifies the vanilla's depth, offering a sophisticated pairing that highlights the cupcake's delicate sweetness and buttery texture.
• Elevate Treat with Cold Milk Sensation: A chilled glass of whole milk creates a nostalgic, classic combination that perfectly balances the cupcake's sweetness and provides a smooth, creamy backdrop.

Creative Variations for Vanilla Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring same delectable texture and taste.
• Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk for a plant-based version that remains moist and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Vanilla Cupcakes: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining a sweet profile for health-conscious bakers.
• Dairy-Free Vanilla Cupcakes: Switch regular milk with coconut or oat milk, use dairy-free margarine instead of butter, creating an inclusive treat for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What makes these vanilla cupcakes different from other recipes?

These cupcakes use a classic creaming method that ensures a light, tender crumb by thoroughly mixing butter and sugar until fluffy, which creates a better texture and more even rise.

• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

Stop mixing when the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cupcakes. The batter should look smooth but not completely uniform.

• What's the best way to fill cupcake liners?

Use an ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup to ensure even batter distribution. Fill each liner about 2/3 full to allow room for rising during baking.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Vanilla Cupcakes bring pure delight to dessert lovers seeking classic comfort. Sweet vanilla notes and silky buttercream create a perfect balance of flavor that will enchant you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups cake flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 0.5 cup milk (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Preparation Ingredients:

• None

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
6. Evenly distribute the batter among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes in the preheated oven, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when cupcakes are fully baked.
8. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
9. Whip butter in a large bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, blending until the frosting achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
11. Adjust frosting texture by adding milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken as needed.
12. Once cupcakes have completely cooled, apply frosting using a piping bag or spreading knife, creating decorative or simple designs according to preference.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture in your cupcakes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough, dense cupcakes – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Create flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or folding in fresh berries to the batter for an exciting twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg