Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe: A Simple Guide to Baking Deliciousness
Are you ready to bake some incredibly delicious vanilla cupcakes? This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers, promising fluffy, moist cupcakes with a rich vanilla flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe yields about 12 standard-sized cupcakes. Adjust accordingly if you need more (or less!) deliciousness.
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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 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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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
Follow these steps carefully for perfectly baked vanilla cupcakes:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Tins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cupcake removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly light cupcakes.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with vigorous hand-mixing. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter your cupcakes will be!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix at this stage!
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing will lead to tough cupcakes.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
7. Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely
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 when you frost them.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting:
1. Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla
Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency. A pinch of salt enhances the flavor!
4. Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cupcakes.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are baked through.
- Let them cool completely: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla cupcakes! They're perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
