Easy Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream
These easy vanilla cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, featuring a moist crumb and topped with a fluffy homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. Simple to make, they're a delightful treat for everyone.
Equipment
- Oven
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup milk whole milk works best
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar and eggs, then stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing until just combined without overmixing to avoid tough cupcakes.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted into a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- While cupcakes cool, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low then medium-high speed until combined.
- Beat in milk/cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar for a stiffer frosting or more milk for a thinner consistency.
Assembly
- Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost and decorate them using your preferred methods.
Notes
Ensure all cold ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better-baked cupcakes. Do not overmix the batter; this is key to tender cupcakes. For a professional finish, you can pipe the frosting using a pastry bag and tip. Enjoy these delightful homemade vanilla cupcakes!