Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Name: Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; For Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Published: February 4, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Irresistibly Delicious: These vanilla cupcakes with buttercream are truly irresistible. Their sweet and rich flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting, making them a crowd favorite at parties and family gatherings.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple weekday treat, these cupcakes fit right in. Their lovely presentation makes them ideal for celebrations while being easy enough for everyday enjoyment.

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip up these delightful treats. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients found in most kitchens, even beginners can create delicious results.

Customizable Fun: One of the best things about these vanilla cupcakes is their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding sprinkles, different flavors in the buttercream, or even fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache for an extra surprise.

Ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

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

All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right structure and texture for your cupcakes. Ensure it is fresh for optimal results.

Granulated Sugar: A key ingredient that adds sweetness and helps create that fluffy texture when creamed with butter.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly in the oven.

Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to both the cupcake batter and the buttercream frosting.

Eggs: Eggs act as binding agents that help provide structure as well as moisture.

Milk: Milk enriches the batter and keeps it moist while adding a subtle creaminess.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of your cupcakes beautifully.

For the Frosting:

Powdered Sugar: This gives the buttercream its sweetness while providing a smooth consistency.

Cream Cheese (optional): Adding cream cheese can give your frosting an extra tangy flavor that pairs well with vanilla.

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:

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add eggs one at a time along with pure vanilla extract into the mixture. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.

Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps combine them evenly and ensures no lumps remain in your batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add milk and dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense cupcakes.

Bake Your Cupcakes: Pour the batter into prepared liners filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Transfer cooled cupcakes onto serving plates and enjoy their delectable taste!

Tips and Tricks

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

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal blending of ingredients like eggs and butter, ensure they are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve better volume in your batter.

Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes instead of light ones. Mix until just combined for fluffy results every time.

Check Oven Temperature Accuracy: Ovens can vary greatly in temperature accuracy; keep an oven thermometer handy for precise baking conditions which lead to perfect cupcakes each time you bake.

Customize Your Frosting Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon in your buttercream for unique flavors that will delight everyone!

Serving Suggestions

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

Coffee or Tea

Enjoy your Vanilla Cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavor of the buttercream complements the subtle notes in your beverage, making for a delightful afternoon treat. Pairing these cupcakes with a latte or herbal tea creates a perfect balance that enhances the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Fresh Fruits

Serve Vanilla Cupcakes alongside fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The natural tartness of the fruits cuts through the sweetness of the buttercream, providing a refreshing contrast. This combination not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of flavor that elevates your dessert experience.

Ice Cream

For an indulgent twist, serve Vanilla Cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the fluffy texture of the cupcake. This duo makes for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or birthday parties.

Chocolate Ganache

Drizzle some warm chocolate ganache over your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream for an extra layer of decadence. The richness of the chocolate adds depth and sophistication to your dessert, turning simple cupcakes into a gourmet treat. This combination is sure to impress family and friends during special occasions.

FAQs

How can I store Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream?

To keep your Vanilla Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

Can I make Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Vanilla Cupcakes in advance! Bake and cool them completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can frost them with buttercream just before serving for optimal freshness. This allows you to save time on special occasions while still enjoying delicious homemade cupcakes.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can experiment by adding different flavors to your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream. Consider incorporating lemon zest for a citrusy twist or almond extract for added depth. For seasonal flair, try adding pumpkin spice or peppermint extract during holidays to create unique versions that everyone will love.

Can I use different types of frosting?

Absolutely! While buttercream is classic, you can switch it up using cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even ganache. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with vanilla cupcakes, allowing you to customize your desserts according to personal preference and occasion.

Conclusion

In summary, Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream are not only delicious but also highly versatile. Whether you choose to pair these treats with coffee, fresh fruits, ice cream, or chocolate ganache, each combination enhances their delightful flavor and texture. Storing and preparing these cupcakes ahead of time ensures that you have a sweet treat ready whenever needed. Don’t hesitate to explore variations or alternative frostings; this recipe serves as a fantastic base for creativity in your baking endeavors. Enjoy every bite!

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📖 Recipe Card