This Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe is actually very simple and perfect for any occasion. Skip the box mixes and make these amazing vanilla cupcakes from scratch.
This is the best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe. It is a classic cupcake recipe that can be used all year long. We love to make cupcakes and also make Peanut Butter Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes and Chocolate Cupcakes are on the normal rotation.
However, there is something about Vanilla desserts that everyone loves. There are so many fun ideas, and the kids love when I make these cupcakes. It is also a great base cupcake for Easy Graduation Desserts. We love making cupcakes and also make Cookie Monster Cupcakes.
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Why we love this recipe
The classic vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with many different flavors and holidays. It is easy to adapt to any event all year long. The entire recipe is very easy and they taste delicious with the best texture.
Instead of cupcakes, you can also make vanilla cake recipe with these ingredients. Another option to try with this recipe is Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting or Jello Frosting.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Vanilla Extract
- Cooking oil, Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil
- Buttermilk
- Large eggs
Frosting
- Unsalted Butter
- Shortening
- Vanilla Extract
- Powdered Sugar
This is just an option. Feel free to use any type of frosting you prefer.
How to make vanilla cupcakes from scratch
- Step 1. Prepare the Oven – First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and fill the pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar with an electric mixer. Then add the sugar and continue beating until combined.
Step 4. Next, add the oil and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk.
Step 5. Place the batter in muffin tins about 2/3 full.
Step 6. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the cupcake pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 7. While the cupcakes cool, cream the butter and shortening until smooth. I like to use my stand mixer. Then add the vanilla and milk.
Step 8. Gradually add the powdered sugar alternating with a couple tablespoons of milk until desired consistency. If you plan to add food coloring, add it now.
Step 9. Add the frosting to a piping bag. Pipe the frosting on the cupcakes.
Pro Tips
- Rose Decoration – For the rose decoration, fit a decorator bag with a #1M decorating tip. Beginning on the right side of the cupcake, swirl frosting in a counterclockwise motion to create the rose.
- Measure Flour Correctly – When you are preparing your flour make sure you put the right amount in the mix. If you need to, use a scale to measure. Or make sure you use a knife to level the flour in the measuring cup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Make sure when you are preparing these cupcakes that you use, fresh ingredients. We especially like using really good vanilla or making Homemade Vanilla. It is the main flavor in these cupcakes and it helps to really good vanilla.
- Add Sprinkles – My kids love adding sprinkles to the cupcakes. There are so many ones to choose from. Use the color for the them of your celebration.
- Get fun Cupcake Liners – We love to get creative with the cupcake liners. There are so many fun ones to choose from. It is a special touch to these amazing cupcakes.
- Don’t Overcook – When you toothpick inserted comes out clean, then your cupcake is ready.
- Add in Sour Cream – Adding sour cream to the cupcake mixture adds moisture to the cupcake without thinning it out.
- Make a Vanilla Cake – You can also use this recipe to make a Vanilla Cake with vanilla beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanilla cupcakes go really well with any type of frosting. Other ideas include Cream Cheese Frosting, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe , Butter Cream Icing, chocolate buttercream frosting, swiss meringue buttercream and more!
You really can do anything! Plus, add sprinkles or anything you like to match the theme or holiday.
Yes, you can make these ahead of time. This is a great way to save time before your celebration. Make sure that your cupcakes are at room temperature before storing. If you are just storing overnight, they can remain at room temperature.
Once you are ready to serve, decorate and enjoy.
Make sure to promptly when they reach room temperature so they do not dry out. Place in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
If your cupcakes are frosted, you will store based on your cupcakes frosting. If it frosted with butter, cream cheese, or cream based frosting then it needs to be refrigerated.
Try these other Easy Cupcake Recipes
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe
- Angel Food Cupcakes
- Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
- Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
- Key Lime Cupcakes
- S’mores Cupcakes recipe
Go ahead and make this homemade vanilla cupcake recipe. After you bake these, please come back and leave a comment.
Best Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
- Cupcakes:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cooking oil vegetable or canola
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup 1 stick Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Shortening
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons very cold milk or heavy cream
- 8-9 cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill pan with cupcake liners
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, add sugar and continue beating for about 30 seconds
- Add oil and vanilla extract, beat until well combined
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk
- Beat until well combined, batter will be thin
- Divide into cupcake liners, 2/3 full
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Cool completely and frost
- Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butters and shortening until smooth, about 3-5 minutes
- Mix vanilla extract and milk (or cream) together
- Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with a couple tablespoons of milk until desired consistency
- Rose Decoration
- Tint frosting any color you like
- Fit a decorator bag with a #1M decorating tip
- Beginning on the right side of the cupcake, swirl frosting in a counterclockwise motion to create the rose.
