Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
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- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup whole milk – at room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter – softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 0.5 tsp fine salt until evenly combined.
3. In a large bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle, cream 0.5 cup softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to incorporate, about 30 seconds each. Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the whole milk in two additions (dry–milk–dry–milk–dry). Mix just until the batter is smooth; do not overmix. Scrape the bowl once.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake until the tops are set and spring back and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, 17–20 minutes.
8. Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
9. For the frosting, in a clean bowl beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, 1–2 minutes.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 0.25 tsp fine salt, beating on low to combine, then on medium until slightly fluffy, 1–2 minutes.
11. Beat in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp of the heavy cream, then continue beating until very light and smooth, 2–3 minutes. If needed, add up to 1 more tbsp heavy cream to reach a soft, spreadable consistency.
12. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with the vanilla buttercream using a spatula or piping bag. Serve at room temperature.
Vanilla cupcakes are tender, individual cakes with a fine crumb, buttery richness, and a clean, fragrant vanilla aroma. Their light texture and balanced sweetness make them an ideal canvas for creamy frosting, most often a fluffy vanilla buttercream. Perfectly portioned and festive, they’re equally at home at birthdays, bake sales, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Emerging in 19th-century American baking, cupcakes were originally named for being measured by the cup and, at times, baked in small cups. The format quickly gained popularity for its convenience and even baking, then spread to home and professional kitchens across the English-speaking world. While modern trends have introduced countless flavors and fillings, the straightforward charm of a classic vanilla cupcake remains a beloved standard.