Vanilla Cupcakes Made Easy: Your Go-To Recipe for Sweet Simplicity

PUBLISHED: 15 July 2025 | 2 MINUTE READ

There’s something magical about baking vanilla cupcakes. These delightful treats evoke smiles and warm memories, whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. It’s their soft, fluffy texture and comforting vanilla flavour that make them a favourite for many. This easy-to-follow recipe will not only guide you through the baking process but also enable you to impress friends and family with your creations. Let’s jump into this delightful journey of cupcake making!

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cupcakes

Before we start baking, let’s gather our ingredients. You are likely to have many of them already in your pantry.

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (120ml) milk

  
  

These measurements will yield approximately 12 delicious vanilla cupcakes.

Baking Instructions

With our ingredients ready, it’s time to bake!

1. Preheat the Oven

   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for evenly baked cupcakes that rise beautifully.

   
   

2. Prepare Your Cupcake Liners

   Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whether you choose bright colors or elegant patterns, these liners add a fun touch to your treats.

   
   

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while we prepare the wet ingredients.

   
   

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, creating a lighter texture.

   
   

5. Add in the Eggs and Vanilla

   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything combines well. Vanilla is the star of this recipe, contributing to that classic and beloved flavor.

   
   

6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

   Alternate between adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture. Start with about a third of the flour, mix, then add half the milk, mix again, add another third of the flour, then the remaining milk, and finally the last of the flour. This method promotes a light and airy batter. According to baking experts, it’s vital to mix only until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.

   
   

7. Fill the Cupcake Liners

   Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over, ensuring a nice dome shape.

   
   

8. Bake

   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check if ready by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready!

   
   

9. Cool the Cupcakes

   Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for roughly 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

Deliciously fresh vanilla cupcakes cooling on a wire rack.

Frosting Your Cupcakes

While these cupcakes are delightful on their own, a touch of frosting can take them to the next level! Here’s a simple buttercream frosting recipe that pairs beautifully with the vanilla cupcakes.

Ingredients for Buttercream Frosting

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter

   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth.

   
   

2. Incorporate Powdered Sugar

   Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

   
   

3. Add Vanilla

   Finally, mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the frosting’s flavor.

   
   

4. Frost Your Cupcakes

   Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a knife to frost the cupcakes with the buttercream. For a fun touch, consider sprinkling colorful sprinkles on top!

   
   

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Room Temperature Ingredients

   Always ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter, leading to a fluffier texture.

   
   

2. Don’t Overmix

   It’s essential not to overmix the batter. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. This will keep your cupcakes light and airy.

   
   

3. Storage

   If you have any leftover cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, they can be kept in the fridge for a week.

   
   

Sweet Success Awaits

And there you have it—your go-to vanilla cupcake recipe that’s both easy and delicious! Whether baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe has everything you need.

Imagine the comforting aroma of vanilla filling your kitchen as these sweet treats bake. Whether topped with fluffy frosting or enjoyed plain, these vanilla cupcakes will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight in these sweet creations. Happy baking!

Delightful close-up of vanilla cupcakes with frosty swirl and sprinkles.