Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- With the mixer on low speed, add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then pour in the milk.
- Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
- Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk or heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
9. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per cupcake with frosting):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
These Classic Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they pair beautifully with a simple vanilla buttercream frosting for a timeless treat!