Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These classic vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy, and buttery with a tender crumb that’s perfect for any frosting or filling. Made with simple ingredients, they bake up beautifully every time—ideal for birthdays, parties, or a sweet afternoon treat!

Ingredients

  • 100g (3.5oz / ½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 100g (3.5oz / ½ cup) granulated sugar
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 150g (5.3oz / 1¼ cups) cake flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp cornstarch)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) milk, room temperature

(Makes 12 cupcakes)

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

  1. In a bowl, beat butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy (2-3 mins).

3. Add Eggs & Vanilla

  1. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

4. Alternate Dry & Wet Ingredients

  1. Whisk flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.
  2. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the butter mix, then ½ of the milk. Repeat, ending with flour. Mix just until combined (don’t overmix).

5. Bake

  1. Divide batter evenly among liners (⅔ full).
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool & Decorate

  1. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  2. Once completely cool, frost as desired (buttercream, cream cheese, etc.).

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

✔ Room-temperature ingredients ensure even mixing.
✔ Don’t overmix—this keeps them tender.
✔ For extra flavor, add lemon zest or almond extract.
✔ Storage: Keep unfrosted in an airtight container for 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

  • With vanilla buttercream and sprinkles
  • Filled with jam or chocolate ganache
  • Topped with fresh berries

Final Thoughts

These vanilla cupcakes are a blank canvas for creativity—simple yet endlessly adaptable. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them a timeless favorite.

Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence!

Variation: Swap ½ cup flour for cocoa powder to make chocolate cupcakes.

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