Great! Here’s a classic vanilla cupcake recipe — light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. I’ll break it down step by step.
🧁 Classic Vanilla Cupcake Recipe (Makes 12 Cupcakes)
⏱ Time:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
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Total Time: ~35 minutes
✨ Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
Optional: For Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar, sifted
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2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
🔹 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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1½ cups flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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Set aside.
🔹 Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat ½ cup butter and 1 cup sugar using a hand or stand mixer.
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Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
🔹 Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
🔹 Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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Reduce mixer speed to low.
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Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with ½ cup milk (in 2 parts):
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Start and end with dry ingredients.
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Do not overmix – just mix until combined.
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🔹 Step 6: Fill and Bake
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Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners (about ¾ full).
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Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
🔹 Step 7: Cool
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Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
🍦 Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Optional)
Step 1: Beat Butter
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Beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
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Gradually add 3–4 cups powdered sugar, mixing on low.
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Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2–3 tbsp cream/milk.
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Beat for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.
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Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 3: Frost
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Use a piping bag or spoon to frost your cooled cupcakes.
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Decorate with sprinkles if desired!
✅ Tips
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Don’t overmix – it makes cupcakes dense.
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Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
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Want chocolate? Replace ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.