Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s straightforward to make and always brings smiles, this Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Light, fluffy, and bursting with classic vanilla aroma, these cupcakes are a perfect canvas for creativity or simply fantastic on their own. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe ticks all the boxes—simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistibly delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance—plus, you’ll appreciate how easy these pantry staples are to work with.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cupcakes, providing structure and that tender crumb we all love.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist, tender cupcake.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cupcakes their lift and lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve perfect rise and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor balance and brings out the vanilla notes beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and contributes to a smooth crumb texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The star flavor that makes these cupcakes irresistibly fragrant.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture for softness.
How to Make Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cupcakes come out looking perfect and ready to decorate.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is essential so that every cupcake bakes uniformly with a balanced flavor and rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy—around three minutes. This step is key to incorporating air, which helps create those wonderfully soft cupcakes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, well-mixed batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that signature flavor throughout.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Dairy
Begin adding the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and finish with the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cupcakes dense, so be careful to stop as soon as things come together.
Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This leaves enough room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully without spilling over.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end—perfectly baked cupcakes are golden on top with a slight bounce to the touch.
Step 8: Cool Before Frosting
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely so your frosting won’t melt when applied.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy!
Once fully cooled, spread your favorite buttercream frosting on top and serve. The soft vanilla base paired with the creamy frosting makes every bite a little celebration.
How to Serve Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate these cupcakes instantly. Consider sprinkling colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries atop the frosting for visual appeal and an extra flavor burst. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also a simple, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Although these cupcakes shine on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh strawberries can make your dessert plate truly indulgent. For a festive crowd, serve alongside hot coffee or a refreshing glass of milk to balance sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe stand out? Serve them on a pretty tiered stand for parties or arrange them in decorative cupcake wrappers. You can also pipe frosting in swirls or rosettes to create a bakery-style finish that wows guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out. Avoid refrigerating unless your frosting requires it, as fridge air can toughen the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a sealed bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving for freshest flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you like your cupcakes slightly warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly in a low-temperature oven. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out. A quick warm-up brings back that just-baked deliciousness in seconds.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream in this Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt is a great substitute that will still add moisture and a slight tang, keeping your cupcakes soft and tender.
How do I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
To make the recipe dairy-free, swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might vary slightly but will still yield tasty results.
What is the best way to frost cupcakes evenly?
Using a piping bag with a star or round tip helps achieve evenly swirled frosting. Alternatively, a simple butter knife or offset spatula can be used to spread frosting smoothly and attractively.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?
Absolutely! Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or other small mix-ins gently into the batter before baking for a fun twist on the classic Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe.
How long will these cupcakes stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cupcakes remain fresh and delicious for up to two days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic vanilla cupcake, and this Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe really captures that joy with simplicity and flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether a casual snack or a special celebration. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
These easy vanilla cupcakes are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, moist, and fluffy with a delicate vanilla flavor, they are simple to make and pair wonderfully with a creamy buttercream frosting. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or an everyday sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill cupcake liners: Evenly divide the batter among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost and serve: Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite buttercream frosting and enjoy this classic vanilla treat.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
