Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Rating: 3/5 (9 reviews)
These Vanilla Cupcakes are a simple, delightful treat that come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings. With a soft, moist crumb and a rich vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a larger event, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¼ cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.7 mg |
| Sodium | 118.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 10.5 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and airy. Prepare your muffin pans by either lining them with paper liners or lightly greasing them with butter and a dusting of flour. The flour coating helps prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, and it helps keep the batter light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, begin creaming the butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the butter is light and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to beat for another 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating the delicate texture of the cupcakes. -
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the batter with that unmistakable rich vanilla aroma. -
Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or a low-speed mixer setting. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—just stir until the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so a gentle touch is essential. -
Bake the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This will give the cupcakes room to rise and expand without overflowing. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but they’re also a perfect base for frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra festive.
Tips and Variations
- Frosting Options: While these vanilla cupcakes are delicious as they are, you can dress them up with a variety of frostings. Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a chocolate ganache would be wonderful pairings.
- Add-ins: For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a handful of fresh berries into the batter before baking. These additions will add extra flavor and texture to each bite.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week.
These vanilla cupcakes are easy to make and yield a batch large enough to feed a crowd, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings. The simple, comforting flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll love how effortlessly they come together. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Keywords: Vanilla Cupcakes, Cupcake Recipe, Easy Cupcakes, Dessert Recipes, Vanilla Treats, Party Cupcakes, Cupcakes for Large Groups
