Vanilla Cupcakes (Printable)

Light and fluffy vanilla treats with sweet buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations and everyday moments.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cupcake Batter

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
06 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla, milk, and salt; beat until smooth and fluffy.
10 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost as desired using a piping bag or offset spatula.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crumb is impossibly tender, like biting into a sweet cloud
  • Frosting that holds its shape but still melts beautifully on your tongue
  • A recipe that works every single time, no guessing games
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter makes tough cupcakes, stop as soon as flour disappears
  • Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating that perfect tender crumb
03 -
  • Use an ice cream scoop to portion batter evenly, no more uneven cupcakes
  • Let frosting sit for 10 minutes after piping to form a slight crust, perfect for stacking

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