The Ultimate Vanilla Cupcake Recipe: Light, Fluffy, and Delicious
Are you ready to bake the most amazing vanilla cupcakes? This recipe delivers unbelievably moist and fluffy cupcakes with a delicate vanilla flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple afternoon treat, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create extraordinary results. Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for optimal texture.
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light texture!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
- Fill Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the vanilla buttercream.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures proper emulsification and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cupcakes. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Proper Baking Time: Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Cool Completely: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
- Get Creative with Frosting: Experiment with different frosting flavors or add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit for extra flair.
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