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A trio of frosted vanilla cupcakes arranged elegantly on a white platter.

Quick way to grow perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

This recipe provides a quick and easy method to bake delicious vanilla cupcakes from scratch. Perfect for a sweet treat or a party!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

Equipment

  • muffin pan
  • paper liners
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • electric mixer
  • wooden skewer
  • wire rack
  • piping bag (optional)
  • offset spatula (optional)

Method
 

Cupcake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean; let cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
  3. Beat in the vanilla extract, then add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assembly
  1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them using a piping bag or an offset spatula.
  2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, especially the butter and eggs. Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. For a richer vanilla flavor, use good quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.