Description
This classic homemade cupcake recipe features moist, fluffy vanilla cupcakes made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfect as a base for a variety of frostings and flavor variations, these cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients in three parts to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes tough.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding your choice of frosting.
Notes
- This recipe serves as a versatile base—try adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or almond extract to the batter for different flavors.
- Pair with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache for delicious toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
