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Vanilla Cupcakes
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Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Cooling & Frosting Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level don’t freestyle.
  • 1½ tsp baking powder – For that soft fluffy rise.
  • ¼ tsp salt – Sweet needs balance.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened – Room temp = smooth batter.
  • ¾ cup sugar – Sweet but not cupcake-overload sweet.
  • 2 large eggs – Also room temp. Cold eggs are rude.
  • ½ cup milk – Any kind works.
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla is the star. Don’t be shy.
  • For the Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened – This matters. Soft, not melted.
  • 3 –4 cups powdered sugar – Depends on how sweet you like it.
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk or cream – Adjust for texture.
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract – Again flavor matters.
  • Pinch of salt – Cuts the sweetness like a pro.

Instructions

  • Preheat and prep
  • Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This is not optional unless you enjoy scraping cupcakes out of pans.
  • Mix dry ingredients
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside and feel productive.
  • Cream butter and sugar
  • In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds texture—don’t rush it.
  • Add eggs and vanilla
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla. Batter should look smooth and creamy.
  • Add dry ingredients and milk
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined. Overmixing = dense cupcakes.
  • Fill and bake
  • Fill liners about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting—this is important.
  • Buttercream Frosting
  • Beat the butter
  • Beat butter until smooth and creamy. This takes 2–3 minutes and is worth it.
  • Add powdered sugar slowly
  • Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well. Otherwise, your kitchen becomes a snow globe.
  • Add vanilla, milk, and salt
  • Beat until fluffy, smooth, and spreadable. Adjust milk or sugar as needed. You’re in control here.
  • Frost like a boss
  • Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling joyful.