The smell of freshly baked Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream wafting through the house is like a warm hug from grandma. Imagine pulling them out of the oven golden tops peeking out like little sunshines ready to brighten your day. Just thinking about that sweet buttery aroma makes my taste buds do a happy dance.
These delightful vanilla cupcakes are not just a treat; they’re a celebration waiting to happen. Whether it’s a birthday bash or simply a Tuesday that needs cheering up, these fluffy wonders bring smiles faster than I can say “frosting fight!” Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) without any guilt!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Vanilla Cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike
- Their light and fluffy texture pairs beautifully with rich buttercream frosting
- Visually appealing with their pillowy tops and swirls of frosting, they steal the show at any gathering
- Ideal for birthdays or casual get-togethers, they’re versatile enough for any occasion!
I once took these vanilla cupcakes to a picnic, and let’s just say the plate vanished faster than I could say “who wants seconds?”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use a good quality flour for light and fluffy cupcakes that rise beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rising action.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors in your batter.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creates a smooth batter and rich flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cupcakes while helping them develop that lovely golden color.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; skip the imitation stuff if you can!
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
For the Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar dissolves beautifully into your buttercream, creating that velvety texture.
- Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Softened butter is essential for easy blending into the sugar.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: A splash of cream creates a smooth consistency; adjust based on desired thickness.
- Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Adding more pure vanilla deepens flavor in your decadent topping.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners to keep those cakes cute.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial; it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
In another bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add granulated sugar gradually and mix until fluffy—about 3-4 minutes will do!
Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture; blend well after each addition. Pour in that heavenly vanilla extract next—trust me on this one!
Gradually mix in your dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want our cupcakes tender not tough!
Scoop batter into prepared liners about two-thirds full—this allows space for rising. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely—this prevents sogginess from steam.
While those beauties cool down, let’s whip up some luscious buttercream! Beat softened unsalted butter until smooth in a large mixing bowl.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Incorporate heavy cream or milk slowly until you reach desired consistency—smooth but firm enough to hold shape.
Finally, stir in more vanilla extract because why not? Pipe or spread generous amounts of frosting onto cooled cupcakes—it’s chocolate heaven!
Feel free to sprinkle colorful toppings on top if you’re feeling fancy; they make every bite look like pure joy!
And there you have it! You’ve created delightful Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream that are sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- Vanilla cupcakes with buttercream are a delightful treat that can elevate any celebration
- The fragrant aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug
- Perfect for birthdays or simply to brighten up a dull day, they offer comfort in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar before adding eggs and dry ingredients for fluffy cupcakes.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavors. Toss in chocolate chips or sprinkles for added fun.
Storing & Reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them without frosting.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making vanilla cupcakes with buttercream, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
- Avoid overmixing the batter; it can make cupcakes dense instead of fluffy
- Always test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when baked perfectly
The first time I made vanilla cupcakes with buttercream, my friends devoured them within minutes, leaving me wondering if I had actually baked anything at all!
FAQ
What is the best way to frost vanilla cupcakes with buttercream?
Use a piping bag for smooth and decorative frosting on your cupcakes.
Can I use different types of flour for this cupcake recipe?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for lighter cupcakes.
How do I know when my vanilla cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting are light, fluffy delights topped with creamy perfection, making them the ideal treat for any celebration or a sweet indulgence just because.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Milk
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting)
- Heavy Cream (or Milk for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting.
- For the buttercream, beat softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar, mixing in heavy cream until smooth. Stir in more vanilla.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (55g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
