Homemade Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that never fails to delight, this Homemade Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes boast a tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and are topped off with a luscious, creamy buttercream frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a party, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious, these cupcakes bring pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these cupcakes lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role in making these homemade cupcakes truly special.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cupcakes, creating a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents make sure your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for an indulgent texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake while helping to tenderize the crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
• Milk: Ensures the batter stays smooth and yields a tender crumb.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Perfect for making that silky, sweet buttercream frosting.

How to Make Homemade Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and to give the cupcakes a classic look. This simple prep ensures smooth baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because evenly incorporating these dry ingredients guarantees that your cupcakes will rise perfectly and have a tender texture without any clumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process traps air into the mixture, which helps create that wonderful, delicate crumb in the cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture and then stir in the vanilla extract. Taking your time to mix thoroughly here ensures that the batter combines well and delivers that comforting vanilla aroma throughout.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions (begin and end with the dry ingredients). Beat gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to denser cupcakes, so a careful hand is best here.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Divide the luscious batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Filling each about two-thirds full gives them room to rise without spilling over and creates a perfect dome top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oven’s warm embrace turns the batter into moist, fluffy cupcakes that are hard to resist.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While the cupcakes bake (or cool), prepare your frosting by beating together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the milk and vanilla extract and keep beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 9: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, slather them with the buttercream frosting using a spatula or piping bag. This step is where your vanilla cupcakes transform into truly eye-catching and scrumptious treats.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these beauties on a lovely plate, pass them around, and watch how quickly they disappear. Each bite offers the classic comfort of vanilla combined with that melt-in-your-mouth buttercream that’s pure happiness.

How to Serve Homemade Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Add a pop of color and texture with sprinkles, edible flowers, or fresh berries on top of each frosted cupcake. These simple garnishes create an inviting presentation and elevate the classic vanilla flavor with visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic taste experience. They also go well with fruit salads or whipped cream for a light and refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your cupcakes on a tiered stand with decorative liners or individual cupcake boxes for gifting. You can also personalize them by adding themed toppers for birthdays, holidays, or other celebrations to make every occasion extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the refrigerator is fine, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before frosting to maintain freshness and moisture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cupcakes warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the soft crumb and intensifies the vanilla aroma, making each bite feel freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

While salted butter can be used, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt content precisely, ensuring your cupcakes have perfectly balanced flavors.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to open the oven door while baking and follow the baking times exactly. Overmixing or underbaking can also cause sinking, so gentle mixing and proper baking time are key.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used in equal quantities to keep the cupcakes moist and fluffy without compromising flavor.

How do I make the buttercream frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Just be careful to keep the frosting’s texture creamy and spreadable.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Yes, you can experiment by replacing vanilla extract with almond extract or adding citrus zest to the batter and frosting for fun variations while still enjoying the essence of this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of baking, frosting, and savoring these Homemade Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Recipe that are as comforting as they are delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and create sweet memories with every cupcake you make. Happy baking!

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