Basic cupcakes

This basic cupcake recipe produces soft and fluffy treats, perfect for any occasion. Made with butter, sugar, and self-raising flour, they're easy to customize with various frostings and toppings.

11 Jan 2026
Cook time 17 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups self-raising flour
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
Basic cupcakes

Cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on any occasion. This basic cupcake recipe is easy to follow and yields soft, fluffy, and delicious cupcakes that can be customized with your favorite frosting and toppings. Gather your ingredients and let's get started!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (220g) of softened butter with an electric mixer or hand whisk until it is light and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
Gradually add 1 cup (200g) of sugar to the creamed butter, beating continuously until the mixture is fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon (4g) of vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Incorporate Eggs:
Add the 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Sift 2 cups (300g) of self-raising flour into a medium bowl to remove lumps. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid over-mixing.
6. Add Milk:
Pour in 1/2 cup (120g) of 1% milk, stirring until just combined. The batter should be smooth but not over-stirred.
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter to allow room for rising.
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Cool:
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, serve them as is or top with your favorite frosting.

That's all there is to making these basic cupcakes! Let them cool before adding your favorite frosting and toppings. Whether you're making these for a party, a gift, or a simple treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade cupcakes!

Basic cupcakes FAQ:

What is the baking time for these cupcakes?

Bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean.

How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have frosted them, it's best to refrigerate them to prolong freshness.

Can I substitute self-raising flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup of flour to mimic self-raising flour.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

Cupcakes are done baking when they are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What are some dietary alternatives for this recipe?

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of 1% milk. For a vegan version, use flax eggs and a plant-based butter.

Tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix together more easily, creating a smoother batter.

- Cream the butter and sugar together for at least 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This helps create a light and airy texture in the cupcakes.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure they are fully incorporated.

- When combining the flour and milk with the butter mixture, alternate between adding the flour and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. This helps maintain the texture of the batter.

- Do not overmix the batter once the flour has been added, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

- Fill the cupcake liners only two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

- Bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven at the correct temperature to ensure even baking.

- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 380kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 44g
Fiber 0.90g
Sugar 20g
Fat 20g

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