If you have been searching for a delightful treat that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor, you are in for a real joy with this Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are the perfect balance of moist, fluffy cake infused with rich vanilla, making every bite a little moment of happiness. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack, a party dessert, or just because you deserve a sweet indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for baking success and creating smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking cupcakes you’ll love. Each component here plays a crucial role in shaping the texture, enhancing the flavor, and giving these cupcakes their classic golden color that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the structure and body to our cupcakes for that tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): The leavening agent that ensures your cupcakes rise just right and stay light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens perfectly while helping create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cupcakes’ structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): The star flavor that makes these cupcakes irresistibly aromatic and sweet.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and softens the crumb.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a slight tang and extra moistness, making the cupcakes wonderfully tender.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout your batter, which is essential for even rising and taste.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost pale in color. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, contributing to those perfectly light cupcakes we love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, uniform mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that unmistakable sweet aroma into your batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, mix in the sour cream. Then, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk — beginning and ending with the flour. Be sure to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cupcakes dense instead of light and airy.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each roughly two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cupcakes soften as they cool, resulting in that perfect crumb we’re after.
How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these vanilla cupcakes are delicious on their own, you can elevate them instantly with beautiful garnishes like a swirl of classic vanilla buttercream, a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils, or even fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and can also serve as a sweet finish to a light lunch or brunch. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside them creates an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just cupcake liners. Present these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for parties, or wrap with a small ribbon for gifting. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a dazzling, gourmet look. The possibilities are endless, making your Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe not only tasty but visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their freshness and softness, so every bite feels freshly baked.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. This way, your Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe can be enjoyed anytime convenience calls.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cupcakes, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge. Warm them slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to bring back that just-baked softness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is best for achieving the classic texture, you can substitute with cake flour for an extra tender crumb. Just remember to adjust the quantity slightly, as cake flour is lighter.
What frosting pairs best with these vanilla cupcakes?
The great thing about this Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe is its versatility—classic vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even chocolate ganache all complement these cupcakes beautifully.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and swap whole milk and sour cream for plant-based versions like almond milk and coconut yogurt to keep these cupcakes moist and delicious.
How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
Including sour cream, as this recipe does, already adds wonderful moisture, but you can also brush the baked cupcakes with a simple syrup before frosting for extra softness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or small fruit pieces like blueberries to customize your cupcakes and add an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this delightful Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe inspires you to fill your kitchen with warmth, sweetness, and the joy of baking from scratch. Each cupcake delivers a tender crumb and a rich vanilla flavor that feels like a comforting hug. Try it for your next baking adventure and watch how these simple ingredients transform into a scrumptious treat everyone will adore!
Print
Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade cupcakes are a classic American dessert, perfect for any occasion. They feature a tender, moist crumb with a delicate vanilla flavor, made from scratch with simple ingredients. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be topped with your favorite frosting to create a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking them together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes. Fold in the sour cream gently to add moisture.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Frost as Desired: Once cooled, frost the cupcakes using your preferred frosting such as vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
Notes
- These cupcakes pair well with any frosting; popular choices include vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
- For a chocolate version, substitute 1/3 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
