Description
These easy vanilla cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Moist and fluffy, they feature a classic vanilla flavor and a tender crumb. Made from simple ingredients and baked to perfection, they pair wonderfully with your favorite buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk and sour cream to the butter mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the twelve cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with your favorite buttercream frosting and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter as this can result in dense cupcakes.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
- Feel free to customize the frosting to suit your taste, such as chocolate or cream cheese frosting.
- Make sure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
