Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of vanilla cupcakes—perfectly fluffy and topped with creamy frosting. Whether for a birthday celebration or a cozy afternoon tea, these cupcakes will bring joy to any occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delightful treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this easy vanilla cupcake recipe that guarantees delicious results every time!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 18-20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cupcake (without frosting) has approximately 180 calories, 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, 8g fat, and 1g fiber, making it a delightful treat for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter and milk.
Serving and Pairings
These vanilla cupcakes pair beautifully with various frostings like buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Serve with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Not preheating the oven can cause uneven baking.
- Skipping the cooling step before frosting can cause the frosting to melt.
- Using cold ingredients can affect the texture; ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
- Not measuring flour correctly can impact the cupcake’s rise.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts for variety.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving for best results.
What can I do if my cupcakes are too dry?
If your cupcakes turn out dry, you can try adding a bit of milk or cream to the frosting to make it creamier, which can help balance the dryness.
Can I use different flavors instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! You can replace vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
How can I make my cupcakes more colorful?
You can add food coloring to your frosting or even the batter for a vibrant twist. Just a few drops can make a big difference!
What is the best way to frost cupcakes?
Using a piping bag with a decorative tip will give you a professional look. Alternatively, you can use a spatula for a rustic finish.
Conclusion
Baking vanilla cupcakes is a delightful experience that results in a treat everyone will adore. With this simple recipe, you can create moist, fluffy cupcakes that can be customized with different frostings and decorations. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet delights with friends and family!
Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
