These classic vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. They’re a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on their own or decorated with your favorite frosting.
Ingredients:
- For the Cupcakes:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- For the Frosting (Optional – Vanilla Buttercream):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting (or your favorite frosting).
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Cupcakes!
Tips and Variations:
- Cake Flour: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more tender and delicate cupcake.
- Flavor Variations: Add other extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to the batter.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the batter or frosting for a fun touch.
- Filling: Fill the cupcakes with jam, curd, or ganache before frosting them.
- Frosting Varieties: Experiment with different frosting flavors like chocolate, cream cheese, or strawberry.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your fluffy and flavorful Vanilla Cupcakes!