Description
This recipe guides you through making classic homemade cupcakes with a soft, fluffy texture and a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfectly baked and lovingly frosted, these cupcakes make an ideal treat for celebrations or everyday indulgences.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cupcake removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with two additions of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Then beat in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the prepared vanilla buttercream.
- Serve and enjoy: Present your beautiful homemade cupcakes and savor their delightful taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep cupcakes tender.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness to prevent overbaking and dryness.
- Allow cupcakes to fully cool before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Optional: Add food coloring or sprinkles to the frosting for decorative touches.
