Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes: Fluffy, Moist, and Irresistible

Nothing beats a classic vanilla cupcake. Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes are a staple for birthdays, parties, or just a simple treat. With a soft crumb and creamy frosting, these cupcakes are easy to make and sure to impress family and friends.

Why These Vanilla Cupcakes Are Special

Many cupcakes fail to achieve the ideal balance of moisture and fluffiness. Our recipe focuses on:

• Using high-quality butter and vanilla for rich flavor
• Proper creaming technique to trap air for soft texture
• The perfect balance of sugar for sweetness without overpowering

This recipe guarantees cupcakes that rise beautifully and stay moist for days.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• Optional: sprinkles or edible decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
   Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners
   Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full.
7. Bake
   Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting
   Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
9. Frost & Decorate
   Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with sprinkles or edible decorations if desired.

Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet vanilla cupcakes with creamy frosting, ideal for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Bakery

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
• 2–3 tbsp milk

Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Wire rack
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter among liners, filling 2/3 full.
7. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
8. For frosting, beat butter, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
9. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and fluffy texture.
• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing flour develops gluten, making cupcakes dense.
• Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
• Frosting Variations: Try cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or flavored buttercream.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee/tea.
• Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or afternoon tea.
• Pair with fresh berries or a fruit compote for extra flavor.

Fun Facts About Vanilla Cupcakes

• Origins: Cupcakes date back to the 19th century and were originally named for being measured “by the cup.”
• Vanilla Power: Vanilla is the most popular flavor globally, prized for its aromatic and comforting notes.
• Baking Science: Proper creaming of butter and sugar is key for trapping air and achieving a light texture.