Vanilla Cupcakes | Little Treat

Baking vanilla cupcakes always brings a sense of joy and satisfaction. There’s something so comforting about mixing together simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, and watching them transform into soft, fluffy cupcakes.

The process feels like a creative release, and the sweet aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is truly heartwarming.

Whether it’s a celebration or a casual treat, these cupcakes always add a special touch to the moment.

I love how versatile they are, and how a simple swirl of frosting or a sprinkle of color can turn them into something even more delightful.

For me, making vanilla cupcakes is a reminder of the happiness that comes from sharing homemade treats with those I love.

In this blog post, I’ll share my go-to recipe for making these delicious cupcakes from scratch, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions.

Basic Information Of Vanilla Cupcakes

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35minutes

Course: Dessert

Calories: 200 kcal

 Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes
Vanilla Cupcakes

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Cupcake/muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) water or milk
  • Pinch of salt

How to Make the Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pans:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a 8-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the cupcake batter:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

3. Bake the cupcakes:

  • Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 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 from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk. Continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Frost the cupcakes:

How To Serve Vanilla Cupcakes

To serve vanilla cupcakes, start by arranging them on a clean platter or tray. If you’ve frosted them, consider adding a decorative touch like sprinkles, edible glitter, or a small drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

For a more personalized touch, you can add a small decorative topper or themed decoration, especially for events like birthdays or parties.

These cupcakes are perfect on their own or paired with a refreshing beverage like coffee or tea for a delightful treat. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Tips And Tricks

1. Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.

2. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.

3. Measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the cupcakes dry.

4. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking, as it can cause the cupcakes to sink.

5. Let your cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.

Storage Tips For Vanilla Cupcakes

To keep your vanilla cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

If you’re not planning to eat them right away, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days; just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes, you can use cake mix for a quicker alternative. Simply follow the instructions on the box, but feel free to add extra vanilla extract for a richer flavor.

2. Can I freeze cupcakes with frosting?

While it’s best to freeze cupcakes without frosting, you can freeze frosted cupcakes if needed. Just place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

3. How do I make my cupcakes fluffier?

To achieve fluffier cupcakes, make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs helps create a smoother, airier batter.

4. Can I use dairy-free substitutes for the ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free options like almond milk, coconut oil, or dairy-free butter to make these cupcakes dairy-free. Just ensure that the substitutions are in similar quantities to the original ingredients.

5. How can I make my frosting less sweet?

If you find the buttercream too sweet, try reducing the amount of powdered sugar or adding a pinch of salt. You can also use less frosting on each cupcake to balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

In final thoughts, vanilla cupcakes are more than just a dessert – they’re a little piece of joy you can share with others.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you love the process, these soft, fluffy treats are always a hit.

The versatility of vanilla cupcakes, from the base to the frosting, allows for endless creativity and personalization.

And while the recipe is simple, the results are always rewarding. Baking vanilla cupcakes brings comfort, happiness, and a delicious end product that everyone will enjoy.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and create something special!

More Delicious Vanilla Cakes You’ll Love

Vanilla Crunch Cake – Sweet And Crunchy

Vanilla Cake With Lemon Curd – Sweet Meets Zesty

Vanilla Cake In A Mug Recipe No Egg – Very Easy Delight

Vanilla Bourbon Cake || Easy Make

Vanilla And Strawberry Cake Recipe – Most Delicious

Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes

Luna
Vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy treats made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The batter is baked into individual cups, creating a soft, moist texture. Often topped with frosting, they can be decorated to suit any occasion. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday indulgence.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cupcakes
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Cupcake/muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 414g sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
  • 1 cup 240ml water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml milk

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup 230g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups 500g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tbsp 30-45ml water or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven and prepare the pans:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Make the cupcake batter:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

Bake the cupcakes:

  • Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk. Continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Frost the cupcakes:

  • Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a knife or piping bag to frost each cupcake with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
  • Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or other toppings if desired.
  • Enjoy your homemade vanilla cupcakes!
Keyword Vanilla Cupcakes

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