If you are looking for a quick and delightful treat, homemade vanilla cupcakes are a great choice! They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, an afternoon snack, or simply because you have a craving, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy. They are simple to make and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. In this recipe, you will find all the steps necessary to create moist, light, and perfectly golden vanilla cupcakes.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or any milk of your choice)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the desired temperature for baking the cupcakes.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Tin:
Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. This will prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan and will also make them easier to remove once baked.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are evenly combined. This helps in ensuring the cupcakes rise evenly.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In another large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cupcakes rise and stay soft.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the cupcakes their signature flavor.
6. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Spoon the cupcake batter into the lined cupcake tin. Fill each liner about 2/3 of the way full. This will give enough room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
8. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cupcakes are ready.
9. Cool the Cupcakes:
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
These homemade vanilla cupcakes are a classic treat that everyone will love. Their light and fluffy texture, combined with a rich vanilla flavor, make them perfect on their own or as a base for your favorite frosting. Feel free to experiment by adding sprinkles, colorful icing, or even filling them with your favorite jam or frosting. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, and share with friends and family!
These cupcakes are also versatile—you can easily double the recipe for a larger batch or even adapt it for different flavors by swapping out the vanilla for almond or lemon extract. They are perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests with their delicate taste and texture.