Freshly Homecooked is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Classic vanilla cupcakes for any holiday or occasion topped with a creamy buttercream frosting. Cupcakes are much easier and less time consuming than making a full cake. Vanilla is the most classic and well known cupcake flavors, depending on the decorations that you use for it, you can make it perfect for any holiday. These fluffy cupcakes are perfect for serving at birthdays, holidays or any other occasion. They store well in the fridge for up to one week. Or you can even freeze them, without frosting for longer. When you are ready to serve them, defrost them in the fridge overnight and frost them before serving.
Softened butter is creamed with granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. Eggs, milk and vanilla extract are added and beat until smooth. A mixture of flour, salt and baking powder are added in batches until a smooth batter forms. Evenly divide the cupcake batter between 12 cupcake liners. An easy way to fill the cupcake liners, is to use a cookie scoop to make sure that every cupcake has the same amount of batter. Bake until the cupcakes are cooked through and come out clean with a toothpick. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Unlike cakes, cupcakes take less than one hour to cool completely.
For the buttercream frosting, using a mixer beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and milk as needed to thin. If you want to make a chocolate frosting instead, all you need to do is add two tablespoons of cocoa powder into the frosting. When the frosting is at the right consistency, you can frost the cupcakes by either spreading it on each cupcake with a small spatula. Or if you want to make it look more elegant, you can pipe the frosting on by either using a piping bag or a plastic bag. To pipe frosting with a plastic bag, fill a large plastic bag with frosting and cut a tip off of the corner. Decorate your cupcakes with sprinkles or candles however you want.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3 tablespoons milk, as needed to thin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.
- In a large bowl using either a hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Add flour mixture in two additions, beating well after each addition until fully combined. Evenly fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- For the buttercream frosting, in a large bowl using either a hand or stand mixer beat softened butter with powered sugar until fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and milk as needed to thin the frosting. Beat until desired consistency.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.