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Close up of vanilla cupcakes.
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Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

The perfect Classic Vanilla Cupcakes. Light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a classic buttercream frosting. Perfect for any celebrations!
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time1 hour 3 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: North American
Keyword: birthday cake, cupcakes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 339kcal
Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk

For the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream more if needed

Decorating:

  • Sprinkles if desired
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C.. Line or grease a 12 count medium sized cupcake pan.
  • In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 - 5 minutes. Beat in eggs , one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla.
  • In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Add about 1/2 of the flour to the batter and stir to incorporate. Then add the milk and stir in and then finally the remaining flour.
  • Evenly divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make the frosting in the bowl of your electric mixer. Add the butter and beat until smooth, about 1 - 2 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla and then add the powdered sugar. Mix on high for about 2 minutes. Add the cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to mix on high speed for about 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add one more tablespoon of cream
  • You can pipe the frosting on the cupcakes or spread it on with a butter knife. Decorate how you like.
  • Best served the day they are made but will keep up to two days in an airtight container.

*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

Nutrition Facts
Classic Vanilla Cupcakes
Amount Per Serving (1 cupcake)
Calories 339 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 84mg28%
Sodium 225mg10%
Potassium 39mg1%
Carbohydrates 44g15%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 31g34%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 559IU11%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.