Vanilla Cupcakes

There’s something incredibly charming about baking Vanilla Cupcakes. I still remember my first attempt at making these delightful treats with my mother in our cozy kitchen. The smell of the sweet batter mixing with the warmth of the oven is a memory I cherish. As we whipped the butter and sugar, laughter filled the air, and soon enough, we were eagerly anticipating their golden tops peeking out of the oven. Vanilla Cupcakes have become a staple in my life, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple afternoon treat. They’re versatile, allowing for endless frosting options and decorations that cater to any occasion, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers.

Ingredients to Make Vanilla Cupcakes

The ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes are simple yet essential for creating that perfect fluffy texture and rich flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing these cupcakes to life.

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cupcakes, providing structure.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder – The leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps with texture.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature) – Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Imparts the classic vanilla flavor.
• ½ cup milk – Ensures the batter is moist and helps achieve the right consistency.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

Making This Vanilla Cupcakes

Creating Vanilla Cupcakes is a joyful experience. Here’s how you can bring these delightful treats to your own kitchen. Follow these steps closely for the best results.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal and a lovely presentation.
2. In a large bowl, combine 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until well mixed, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. This step helps to incorporate air for a lighter cupcake.
4. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, helping to create a smooth batter.
5. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until evenly distributed. The aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen with an inviting scent!
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and ½ cup milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix each addition until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cupcakes.
7. Fold in ½ cup sour cream until the batter is homogeneous. This will add richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
8. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter. This allows enough room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
9. Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
10. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is important before frosting!
11. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite frosting and top with sprinkles if desired. Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Cupcakes!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Vanilla Cupcakes turn out perfectly, here are some tips that will make a difference.

• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Frosting Choices: Experiment with different frostings such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream to suit your taste.
• Decorating: Get creative with toppings! Add fresh fruits, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
• Batch Sizes: Adjust the recipe to make more or fewer cupcakes depending on your needs. Just remember to adjust baking time if needed.

What Complements This Vanilla Cupcakes

When serving Vanilla Cupcakes, consider pairing them with delightful complements that enhance their charm.

• Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Variety of Frostings: Offer a selection of frostings, such as chocolate or lemon, for guests to choose from.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Festive Events: These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where a sweet treat is needed.
• Seasonal Themes: Decorate with seasonal colors and toppings to match holiday festivities, like pastel colors for spring or warm tones for fall.

FAQ

Conclusion

The charm of Vanilla Cupcakes lies in their simplicity and versatility. They are the perfect blank canvas for your creativity while being delicious in their original form. I encourage you to try making these delightful cupcakes soon, whether for a special occasion or just to enjoy a sweet treat at home. Happy baking!

Vanilla Cupcakes

The ultimate sweet treat, Vanilla Cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Whip up a batch tonight for a delicious dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• KitchenAid Hand Mixer
• 12-Cup Muffin Pan

Ingredients

  

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, combine 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
• In another bowl, cream together ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
• Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
• Alternately add the flour mixture and ½ cup milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
• Fold in ½ cup sour cream until the batter is homogeneous.
• Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter.
• Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite frosting and top with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake to check if they are ready; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

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