Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions:

Prepare the Cupcakes:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
• Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes:

• Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to frost the cupcakes with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
• Decorate the cupcakes as desired with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or any toppings of your choice.

Enjoy these Sweet Vanilla Cupcakes:

Relish these homemade vanilla cupcakes with their tender crumb and delightful vanilla flavor, topped with a creamy and luscious buttercream frosting—an absolute treat for dessert or any celebration! Customize the frosting's sweetness and thickness by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar and cream used.