Soft, fluffy, and easy to make, these simple cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. With basic ingredients and a no-fail method, you’ll get delicious, homemade cupcakes every time.
Why We Love This
Simple cupcakes are a timeless treat that never disappoints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is a great starting point for anyone looking to make light, fluffy, and delicious cupcakes.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have fresh, homemade cupcakes ready in no time.
- Versatile: These cupcakes are the perfect blank canvas, allowing you to customize them with different flavors, toppings, and frostings to suit any occasion.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a birthday party, afternoon tea, or a simple family gathering, these cupcakes are always a hit. They’re easy to transport, serve, and enjoy!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a soft, sweet cupcake! Their irresistible flavor and texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
- Customizable: The options are endless, whether you’re looking for a classic vanilla flavor, a chocolate twist, or even a fruit-filled surprise inside.
These simple cupcakes are sure to brighten up any day, offering a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and fun to make.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture. Cake flour will change the crumb.
Baking powder – Helps cupcakes rise. Don’t swap it with baking soda.
Salt – Balances the flavors.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and flavor. Use less salt if using salted butter.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps with texture. Brown sugar changes the flavor.
Vanilla extract – Adds flavor.
Eggs – Bind ingredients and give structure.
Milk – Whole milk adds moisture. Lower-fat milk may dry out cupcakes.
Instructions
Making these simple cupcakes is easy and fun. Follow these steps for perfect results every time!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add the vanilla. Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cupcakes dense.
Scoop the batter: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
And just like that, you’ll have a batch of fluffy, homemade cupcakes ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
These simple cupcakes are easy to make, but these pro tips will help you take them to the next level:
Use room-temperature ingredients: For the fluffiest cupcakes, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to blend together smoothly and evenly.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Check for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the recommended bake time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Let them cool completely: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean finish.
Add a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the batter helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Variations
One of the best things about simple cupcakes is how easily they can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. Here are a few fun variations you can try to switch things up:
Chocolate Cupcakes: Swap out ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour for cocoa powder to make rich, chocolatey cupcakes.
Lemon Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy twist. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Funfetti Cupcakes: Mix in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles to the batter just before baking for a fun, colorful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Simple cupcakes are a versatile treat that can be served in so many delightful ways. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
Classic Buttercream Frosting: Pipe a swirl of creamy buttercream frosting on top for a traditional cupcake look. Add sprinkles or a cherry on top for extra flair.
Fruit Topping: Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, make a beautiful and delicious topping. For a more tropical twist, try topping your cupcakes with slices of kiwi or mango.
Serve with Ice Cream: Pair your cupcakes with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a fun dessert duo. Chocolate or vanilla ice cream complements them perfectly.
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FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the best cupcakes possible:
How can I make my cupcakes more moist?
To keep your cupcakes moist, make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dry cupcakes. Also, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk or yogurt for extra moisture.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Cake flour will create a lighter, softer texture in your cupcakes. If you switch to cake flour, reduce the amount by about 2 tablespoons per cup of all-purpose flour.
How do I store my cupcakes?
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How can I make cupcakes with less sugar?
To reduce the sugar, try cutting it down by ¼ cup, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture and sweetness of the cupcakes. You can also experiment with using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
simple cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and finish with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop the batter: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.