Basic vanilla cupcakes
These basic vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, they're easy to bake and decorate as you like.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter2 tsp vanilla extract
1.50 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups self-raising flour
1.50 cups milk (1% fat)
Vanilla cupcakes are a classic treat that never goes out of style. Perfect for any occasion from birthdays to casual get-togethers, these basic vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy, and delicious. The following recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, measure out the 3 cups of self-raising flour.
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Do this in three parts: add one-third of the flour, mix until just combined, then half of the milk, mix until just combined, another third of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
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. The tops should be slightly golden.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled, the cupcakes can be frosted with your favorite frosting or enjoyed plain.
Once you've baked these delightful vanilla cupcakes, you'll see just how easy it is to create a delicious homemade treat. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite frosting, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Happy baking!
Basic vanilla cupcakes FAQ:
Bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The cupcakes are ready when their tops are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of flour to ensure proper leavening.
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to 3 months.
These vanilla cupcakes pair well with a variety of frostings, including buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream. Choose a frosting that complements the light flavor of vanilla.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix the batter to achieve a smooth and even consistency.
- Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy, as this will help incorporate air into the batter, creating a lighter cupcake.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully integrate them into the batter.
- Sift the self-raising flour to remove any lumps and to aerate it, which helps to achieve a fluffier texture.
- Alternate adding the flour and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. This helps maintain the batter's structure.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, as overmixing can make the cupcakes dense and tough.
- Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into cupcake liners for uniform-sized cupcakes.
- Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition per serving
12 ServingsCalories 410kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 1.12g
Sugar 27g
Fat 18g
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