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Vanilla Cupcakes with Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

These classic vanilla cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, topped with a smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Ideal for celebrations or a simple indulgence, this recipe combines the richness of butter with the comforting aroma of vanilla, creating a timeless treat that’s easy to bake and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp (150ml) milk

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) water or milk
  • Pinch or two of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and perfect shape.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Thorough creaming is crucial for a tender cupcake texture.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing after each addition until mostly combined. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to fully blend the ingredients.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter and mix until nearly blended. Slowly pour in the milk, mixing continuously; the batter may appear curdled, which is normal at this stage.
  6. Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the remaining dry ingredients into the batter and mix until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough cupcakes; scraping the bowl sides helps ensure even mixing.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full for optimal rise. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the room temperature butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add about half of the powdered sugar to the butter and mix until smooth and well combined.
  11. Add Vanilla and Liquid: Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk, mixing thoroughly for a smooth texture.
  12. Finish Frosting: Incorporate the remaining powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water or milk as needed for easy piping.
  13. Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes using your preferred tip, such as Ateco tip 844, for a professional finish.
  14. Storage: Store cupcakes covered at room temperature to maintain freshness; they are best enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
  • The batter may look slightly curdled after adding milk, which is normal and will not affect the final texture.
  • Use fresh baking powder to guarantee proper rise.
  • Buttercream frosting can be adjusted for consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk/water to thin.
  • For added flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with buttermilk.
  • Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, buttercream frosting, classic cupcake recipe, easy cupcakes, vanilla dessert

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/vanilla-cupcakes-with-classic-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/