Description

Light, tender, and full of sweet vanilla flavor, these Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes are the perfect quick dessert. Simple to make in one bowl, they bake up beautifully and pair perfectly with your favorite frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

For Optional Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine: Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.
Fill & Bake: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Frost: Cool completely before frosting with vanilla buttercream or your favorite icing.

Notes

Make Ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest for a citrus twist or top with chocolate ganache instead of frosting.

Fluffy Tip: For extra airy cupcakes, don’t overmix and ensure ingredients are at room temperature.

Storage Tips: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or as a sweet afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Party Treat
Cuisine: American, Bakery Classic

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12 Cupcakes
Calories: 190kcal
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg