Description
Moist Vanilla Cupcakes are tender, light, and fluffy treats made with simple pantry staples and bursting with classic vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes have a soft crumb and subtle aroma, making them a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, at room temperature (dairy or dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure an even rise and light texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy; this traps air to create a moist, tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time for an even texture, then add the vanilla extract for signature flavor and aroma.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add the dry flour mixture and milk alternately to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and dryness.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting, preserving moisture and preventing melting.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter; stop when ingredients are just combined to keep cupcakes tender.
- For an extra soft crumb, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid excess flour.
- Check cupcakes for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, moist cupcakes, easy vanilla cupcakes, simple dessert, party cupcakes, homemade cupcakes
