Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Have you ever bitten into a soft, fluffy vanilla cupcake topped with rich buttercream frosting and felt pure bliss? These Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream are not just delightful to eat; they also bring a smile to your face. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes embody comfort in every bite.

These little delights are crafted from simple ingredients that come together to create an irresistible flavor explosion. The aroma of freshly baked cupcakes wafting through your kitchen will transport you to a world of sweetness and joy. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or indulging on a quiet evening, these cupcakes will always satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of moist vanilla cake and creamy buttercream creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family gathering, these vanilla cupcakes are the ideal dessert that fits all celebrations.
  • Customizable Options: You can easily personalize these cupcakes by adding different flavors or decorations to suit your theme or preference.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure and texture to the cupcakes; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture to your cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cupcakes rise perfectly while baking.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall sweetness and balances flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for a light and fluffy batter; it contributes richness as well.
  • Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: This is key to achieving that classic vanilla flavor everyone loves.
  • Milk: Milk keeps the batter moist and contributes to the tender crumb of the cupcake.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • Powdered Sugar: This gives the frosting its sweetness while producing a smooth texture when mixed.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for an indulgent buttery flavor in your frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream ensures that your frosting is creamy and easy to spread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adding more vanilla enhances the flavor of your buttercream frosting significantly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease them if you prefer.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture for lighter cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is combined smoothly before proceeding.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients; mix just until combined.

Step 6: Bake Your Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into prepared liners about two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let them cool completely before frosting. Transfer cooled cupcakes onto serving plates or stands for decoration.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

    • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature; this helps create an even batter.
    • Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients; this prevents dense cupcakes.
  • Cupcake Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Overmixing the Batter: One common mistake when making vanilla cupcakes with buttercream is overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, you incorporate excess air, which can lead to dense, dry cupcakes. Aim to mix until the ingredients are just combined and no flour streaks remain. This gentle approach creates a light and fluffy texture that allows your cupcakes to rise beautifully.
  • Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are critical for baking success. Many novice bakers may use volume instead of weight, leading to inconsistencies in their vanilla cupcakes with buttercream. Invest in a kitchen scale for precise measurements. For example, measuring flour by weight ensures you use the right amount, preventing dry or overly wet batter.
  • Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Another significant mistake is not preheating your oven correctly or baking at an incorrect temperature. If your oven isn’t hot enough, your cupcakes may not rise properly, resulting in flat tops. Conversely, baking at too high a temperature can cause the edges to brown while leaving the center undercooked. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  • Skipping the Cooling Process: After baking vanilla cupcakes with buttercream, it’s tempting to frost them right away. However, applying frosting to warm cupcakes can cause it to melt and slide off. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This simple step ensures that your buttercream stays intact and maintains its shape.
  • Using Cold Butter for Frosting: Cold butter makes it difficult to achieve a smooth and creamy buttercream frosting. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature before mixing it with sugar and other ingredients. Softened butter blends more easily and results in a fluffy and spreadable texture that complements your vanilla cupcakes perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Fresh Berries: A delightful addition, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries complement the sweetness of the cupcakes and add a refreshing touch.
  • Ice Cream: Serve your cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
  • Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors blend beautifully, making for a comforting treat at any time of day.

FAQs

FAQs

What is the best way to store Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream?

To keep your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method allows the frosting to maintain its texture while keeping the cupcakes moist. If you need to store them for more than a couple of days, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavor and texture. Avoid freezing frosted cupcakes, as the frosting may not hold up well when thawed.

Can I use different flavors in my buttercream?

Absolutely. While classic vanilla buttercream pairs perfectly with Vanilla Cupcakes, you can easily experiment with various flavors. For instance, try adding cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream or pureed fruits like strawberries for a fruity twist. Extracts such as almond or lemon can also elevate your frosting’s flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the sugar content slightly if you’re adding liquid ingredients.

How long do these cupcakes last?

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream can last up to three days at room temperature in an airtight container. If stored in the refrigerator, they can remain fresh for about a week. However, their texture might change slightly due to refrigeration. For optimal taste and quality, consume them within these time frames. Always check for signs of spoilage before indulging.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes. To make gluten-free Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. This will provide similar results while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities. The flavor and texture might vary slightly but should still yield delicious results.

Conclusion for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

In summary, Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream are not only easy to prepare but also offer a delightful treat suitable for various occasions. By selecting high-quality ingredients and following straightforward steps, you can create moist and flavorful cupcakes topped with rich buttercream frosting. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with complementary items such as berries or ice cream, these cupcakes are sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and decorations to make each batch uniquely yours.

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Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream


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  • Author: Ann Foster
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, combining a light, fluffy vanilla cake with luxurious buttercream frosting. These cupcakes are incredibly easy to make and ideal for celebrations like birthdays or simply as a delightful indulgence at home. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking will elevate your mood, making every bite a moment of pure bliss. You can keep these cupcakes simple or get creative with decorations and flavors; they are sure to impress family and friends alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream frosting)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, for buttercream frosting)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (for buttercream frosting)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla.
  4. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just mixed.
  5. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake (47g)
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Ann Foster

Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Ann Foster! Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, I found my passion for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I traveled across the country exploring new flavors and cooking techniques. This website is my passion project—where I share delicious recipes meant to bring people together, one meal at a time. Welcome to my culinary journey!

Chef Ann