Everyone loves cupcakes! This is the only vanilla cupcake recipe you will need. They are super easy to make and the texture is light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Watch the video tutorial below and you will be a pro in no time. We love these with our Cupcake Frosting because a cupcake isn’t a cupcake without frosting.
These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties and baby showers and they always disappear fast which is why I always make a double batch for gatherings. They are quick and easy to make and homemade cupcakes taste way better than boxed cupcake mix.
Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
This is the only vanilla cupcake recipe you need! They are perfectly soft, rise evenly and go well with just about any cupcake frosting. The best cupcakes!
Prep: 8min
Total: 30min
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 183 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Sodium 120 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 13 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain kefir, room temperature)
Instruction:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake/muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set flour mix aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed 5 minutes until thick and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition then scrape down the bowl. Add 2 tsp vanilla and beat to combine.
- Reduce mixer speed to medium and add the flour mixture in thirds alternating with the buttermilk, mixing to incorporate with each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed and beat until just combined and smooth, and don’t overmix. Divide the batter evenly into a 12-count lined muffin or cupcake pan, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes at 350 °F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature before frosting.
Vanilla Cupcakes – stays moist 4 days!!
Recipe video above. Your search for the perfect Vanilla Cupcakes is over! These have a professional bakery-style crumb that’s way more plush and velvety than typical recipes. And very importantly, these stay perfectly fresh for 4 days – unheard of!While for Vanilla Cake, I prefer using a standmixer, for these cupcakes, I find it’s easier to use a handheld beater – see notes for why.Metric – click button above ingredients. Sweetness – Note 11. Cake flour – no need, better with plain flour. See Notes for four key things to guarantee success.
Prep: 20min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 143 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 5 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 38 mg, Sodium 40 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 13 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain / all purpose flour ((cake flour OK too, Note 1))
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder ((NOT baking soda, Note 2))
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs ((50 – 55g / 2 oz each), at room temp (Note 3))
- 3/4 cup caster / superfine sugar ((granulated/regular ok too, Note 4))
- 60g / 1/4 cup unsalted butter (, cut into 1.5cm / 1/2” cubes)
- 1/2 cup milk (, full fat (Note 5))
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (, the best you can afford (Note 6))
- 1 1/2 tsp vegetable or canola oil ((Note 7))
Instruction:
- Place cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin. (Note 9)
- Scrape and final mix: Scrape down sides and base of bowl. Beat on Speed 1 for 10 seconds – batter should now be smooth and pourable.
- Bake 22 minutes or until golden and toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.
- Remove from oven. Cool just 2 minutes then use a fork to help remove and place on cooling rack. Cool completely before icing with frosting of choice (Note 11 for ideas), or cream and fresh berries or jam.
How to Get PERFECT VANILLA CUPCAKES Every Time
FAQ
What is the secret to good cupcakes?
- Ingredients should be at room temperature.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use a cupcake scoop for evenly baked cupcakes.
- Do not overfill cupcake liners.
- Bake cupcakes in the center rack of the oven.
- Use the touch test rather than a toothpick.
- Remove cupcakes from the pan to cool.
What is the secret to super moist cupcakes?
Which flavors are best for cupcakes?
- Coconut Cupcakes with Toasted Coconut Frosting.
- Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting.
- Guinness, Whiskey and Irish Cream Cupcakes.
- Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting.
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes.
Should cupcakes be 350 or 375?