Description
These Easy Vanilla Cupcakes are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. Moist and fluffy with a rich vanilla flavor, they’re simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and topped 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside this mixture.
- Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes, which helps create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, signaling they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once completely cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite buttercream frosting and enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla cupcakes.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Room temperature ingredients such as butter, eggs, and milk help create a smoother batter and better texture.
- These cupcakes freeze well un-frosted; wrap tightly and thaw before frosting.
- For dairy-free or vegan options, consider substituting milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
