Vanilla cupcakes from scratch are a sweet classic that never goes out of style. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor. I love how simple they are to make with just a few basic ingredients, whether you’re baking for a party or just because, these homemade cupcakes always bring a smile.
Why We Love This
There’s just something special about vanilla cupcakes made from scratch. They’re soft, light, and filled with that classic vanilla flavor we all know and love. What makes them even better? You don’t need any fancy tools or complicated steps—just a handful of pantry staples and a little time.
Here’s why this recipe is a favorite in my kitchen:
- Easy to Make – This simple cupcake recipe is beginner-friendly, with clear steps that anyone can follow.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture – Thanks to a balanced mix of ingredients, these cupcakes come out tender and perfectly soft every time.
- Versatile for Any Occasion – Bake a batch for birthdays, school events, or just because—it’s a go-to recipe that fits any celebration.
- Customizable – Want to add sprinkles, fruit, or frosting flair? These cupcakes are the perfect blank canvas.
If you’ve been searching for the best vanilla cupcake recipe that’s as reliable as it is delicious, this one won’t disappoint. From the first bite to the last crumb, they’re everything you want in a homemade treat.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – Provides structure and fluffiness.
Baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise.
Salt – Enhances the flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and flavor.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
Vanilla extract – Gives the signature vanilla flavor.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together.
Whole milk – Adds moisture for a soft texture.
Instructions
Ready to bake some delicious vanilla cupcakes from scratch? Follow these simple steps to create cupcakes that are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Let’s dive in!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
Fill cupcake liners: Spoon batter into the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake and cool: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool before serving.
Pro Tips
To ensure your vanilla cupcakes come out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that make a big difference:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating a light, fluffy texture in your cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes, so be gentle with your stirring. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt helps to aerate them and ensures a smooth batter. This simple step can contribute to a lighter texture in your cupcakes.
Check for Doneness Early
Cupcake sizes can vary slightly, so start checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready. If not, check every 2 minutes.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. If they’re too warm, the frosting might melt or slide off, leaving you with a mess instead of a picture-perfect treat.
Make It Your Own
Vanilla cupcakes are the perfect base for creativity! You can experiment with flavored frosting, sprinkles, or even mix-ins like chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Variations
Vanilla cupcakes from scratch are incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some fun and creative variations to take your cupcakes to the next level:
Chocolate Vanilla Cupcakes
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle chocolate flavor. These cupcakes will have a rich, chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with vanilla frosting.
Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes
To add a refreshing citrus zing, stir in the zest of one lemon into the batter. For an extra burst of flavor, top with lemon frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Vanilla Almond Cupcakes
If you love the nutty flavor of almond, swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract. This adds a subtle, sophisticated twist to the classic vanilla flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made your perfect batch of vanilla cupcakes from scratch, let’s talk about how to serve them! Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply treating yourself, here are some ideas to make your cupcakes even more delightful:
Classic Buttercream Frosting
A simple yet irresistible option is to top your cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting. The rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy cupcakes. For a bit of color, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting.
Decorate with Fresh Berries
For a fresh and elegant touch, top each cupcake with a few fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. This adds a burst of color and a natural sweetness that complements the vanilla flavor.
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
Want to make your cupcakes extra special? Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite frozen treat. The combination of warm cupcakes with cold ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
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FAQs
How do I make sure my vanilla cupcakes stay moist?
To keep your cupcakes moist, make sure you don’t overbake them. Start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark with a toothpick. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) ensures a smoother batter and a softer texture. Finally, don’t skip the cooling process—letting them cool completely before frosting helps maintain their moisture.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cupcake batter a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bring the batter to room temperature before scooping it into the muffin tin, as cold batter can affect the baking results.
How can I make my vanilla cupcakes fluffier?
To achieve fluffier cupcakes, make sure to properly sift your dry ingredients to prevent clumps. Creaming the butter and sugar together thoroughly (about 3-5 minutes) helps to incorporate air, leading to a lighter texture. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour—mix just until everything is combined.
How can I make my vanilla cupcakes more flavorful?
To elevate the flavor of your cupcakes, try adding a bit of vanilla bean paste or almond extract for a more complex taste. You can also experiment with different frostings, like chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting, to create unique flavor combinations.
vanilla cupcakes from scratch
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly. Don’t forget to line your cupcake tray with paper liners to keep things clean and easy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your cupcakes rise smoothly.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to creating a tender, moist crumb. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for the best results.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the vanilla gives that classic flavor.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cupcakes could turn out dense.
Fill the Cupcake Liners
- Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
Bake and Cool
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.