Homemade Cupcake Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Treat
Want to bake delicious cupcakes at home without the fuss? This recipe provides a simple yet scrumptious guide to making homemade cupcakes that will impress your friends and family. Forget those store-bought options; let's dive into creating a delightful treat from scratch!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields about 12 standard-sized cupcakes. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally for larger or smaller batches.
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Gel food coloring for added vibrancy
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked cupcakes.
Preparing the Cupcake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cupcake removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, resulting in lighter cupcakes.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- 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. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
- Fill Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
Baking the Cupcakes:
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from crumbling.
Making the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat Butter: Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add Salt & Coloring (optional): Stir in a pinch of salt, and if desired, add gel food coloring to achieve your preferred color.
Frosting the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a knife. Get creative with your frosting techniques!
Tips for Cupcake Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
- Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cupcakes while they bake, as ovens can vary.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations and Flavor Combinations:
- Chocolate Cupcakes: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cupcakes: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting.
- Vanilla Bean Cupcakes: Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a more intense flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cupcakes! They're perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Remember to share your baking creations and tag us – we'd love to see your results!