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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Evenly distribute the batter among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- 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.
- Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Whip butter in a large bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, blending until the frosting achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
- Adjust frosting texture by adding milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken as needed.
- 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