Introduction:
If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic treat, look no further than homemade vanilla cupcakes. These delightful little cakes are loved by kids and adults alike, and they make the perfect addition to birthdays, parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a simple and foolproof recipe for making moist and flavorful vanilla cupcakes from scratch. So let's put on our aprons and get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with paper liners. This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fill the cupcake liners: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, evenly distribute the cupcake batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the cupcakes: Place the cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as it can result in dry cupcakes.
8. Cool the cupcakes: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tray for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
9. Prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
10. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or an offset spatula to frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting. Get creative with your designs or keep it simple—either way, they'll taste delicious!
11. Enjoy your homemade vanilla cupcakes: Serve your vanilla cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Share them with loved ones or enjoy a delightful treat all to yourself!
With this simple recipe and step-by-step guide, you can easily whip up a batch of homemade vanilla cupcakes that are sure to impress. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these moist and flavorful treats are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet pick-me-up. So put on your baking hat, get creative with the frosting, and indulge in the heavenly goodness of these classic vanilla cupcakes. Enjoy!