vanilla cupcakes recipe
Baking vanilla cupcakes from scratch feels comforting and fun. Whether it’s for a birthday, a quick treat, or just because you feel like it, this easy recipe walks you through each step. From mixing the batter to topping with frosting, you’ll love how light, fluffy, and tasty these cupcakes turn out.
Equipment
- Muffin Pan
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—don't overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Notes
Feel free to swap any of the frosting flavors with your favorites like chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped coconut cream.