Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these simple homemade vanilla cupcakes, perfect for any occasion. Soft, moist, and lightly sweetened with a hint of vanilla, these cupcakes are easy to make from scratch and will impress with their classic flavor and tender crumb.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake papers to prevent sticking and to make removal easy.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. It is important that the butter is at room temperature so the texture is smooth and no cl lumps form.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a uniform batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture well after each addition to achieve a smooth, consistent batter. Stir in the vanilla essence for a richer vanilla flavor.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy plain or frost as desired.
Notes
- Butter should be softened to room temperature for best creaming results.
- You can increase sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter cupcake.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure proper rising.
- If desired, top with your favorite frosting once cupcakes have completely cooled.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, simple cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, homemade cupcakes, baking cupcakes