Vanilla cupcakes are a classic treat that brings joy to any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday celebration, or just a regular weekday dessert. This simple, foolproof recipe creates soft, fluffy cupcakes topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. With ingredients that are easy to find and a process that’s straightforward, even novice bakers can enjoy baking these delightful treats. This article will guide you through each step, providing tips along the way to ensure that your vanilla cupcakes turn out perfectly every time.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make these mouthwatering vanilla cupcakes with frosting, complete with colorful sprinkles for decoration!
Ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes
Below is a table of ingredients in both U.S. and Metric measures, to suit your preferred measurement style.
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 large | 2 large |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup | 135 g |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¼ cups | 160 g |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | 6 g |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 1 g |
| Butter, melted | 6 tbsp | 85 g |
| Milk | ½ cup | 120 ml |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
For the Frosting
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup | 227 g |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups | 360 g |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
| Milk | 1 tbsp | 15 ml |
| Food coloring | 1 drop | 1 drop |
For Decorating
- Colored candies
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vanilla Cupcakes with Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Preheating is essential for even baking, as it ensures that your cupcakes start cooking at the right temperature from the moment they go into the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Using liners makes it easier to remove the cupcakes once they’re baked and adds a decorative touch. If you don’t have liners, you can lightly grease each cup with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the two large eggs and 2/3 cup (135 g) of sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to achieve a foamy, pale yellow mixture. This step is crucial because beating the eggs and sugar together creates air pockets, which help the cupcakes rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups (160 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons (6 g) of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the egg and sugar mixture. Use the mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients until well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as over-mixing can result in dense cupcakes.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add 6 tablespoons (85 g) of melted butter, ½ cup (120 ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract to the batter. Continue beating on low speed until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 lined muffin cups. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to ensure an even amount in each cup. Filling each cup about 2/3 full is ideal; this allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). You’ll know the cupcakes are done when they spring back lightly to the touch or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, let’s move on to the frosting. This vanilla buttercream frosting is creamy, smooth, and just sweet enough to complement the vanilla cupcake base.
Step 8: Beat the Butter
In a clean mixing bowl, add 1 cup (227 g) of softened butter. Using a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until it’s creamy and slightly fluffy. Softened butter is key to achieving a smooth frosting, so if your butter is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before starting.
Step 9: Add the Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, and Milk
Gradually add 3 cups (360 g) of powdered sugar to the butter, about a half-cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture on low speed. Alternate with adding the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of milk. This process helps incorporate the powdered sugar without creating a mess. If you want a thicker frosting, you can add a bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner consistency, add a little more milk.
Step 10: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you’d like to add a pop of color to your frosting, add a drop of your chosen food coloring. Mix well to distribute the color evenly. You can experiment with different colors to match the occasion or theme.
Decorating the Cupcakes
Step 11: Pipe the Frosting
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, it’s time to decorate! Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe a swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake, starting from the outside and working your way to the center. Piping gives the cupcakes a professional look, but if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off or simply spread the frosting with a butter knife.
Step 12: Add Sprinkles and Decorations
Finally, add a touch of fun by sprinkling colored candies or sprinkles over the frosting. This step is optional but adds a festive touch to your cupcakes, making them visually appealing.
Baking Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes
- Measure Ingredients Accurately — Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale if possible to measure ingredients accurately.
- Room Temperature Ingredients — Using room temperature eggs, butter, and milk helps the ingredients combine more easily and leads to a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or not mix evenly.
- Don’t Over-Mix — When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes due to gluten development in the flour.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting — Frosting on warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt. Ensure the cupcakes are fully cooled to maintain the frosting’s shape and consistency.
- Experiment with Frosting Flavors — While vanilla is classic, you can add other extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut to the frosting for a unique twist.
- Make It Ahead — Both the cupcakes and frosting can be made a day in advance. Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let the frosting come to room temperature, then pipe it onto the cupcakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cupcakes without a mixer?
A: Yes, you can mix the batter by hand using a whisk. It will take a bit more time and effort, especially when beating the eggs and sugar, but it’s entirely possible.
Q: Can I use this recipe to make a cake instead of cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! You can pour the batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: How do I store the cupcakes?
A: Store these cupcakes in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
A: Yes, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
Making vanilla cupcakes with frosting at home is a delightful experience. This recipe produces soft, fluffy cupcakes paired with a rich and creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat for yourself. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create beautiful, delicious cupcakes that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
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