Easy Vanilla Cupcakes
These easy vanilla cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, featuring a moist crumb and classic vanilla flavor. Quick to prepare and bake, they're ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Equipment
- Oven
- Muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wooden skewer
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk at room temperature
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring full incorporation, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients; mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Baking
- Divide batter evenly among 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into a cupcake center comes out clean. Cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and a tender crumb. Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.