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Deliciously frosted easy vanilla cupcakes arranged neatly on a serving tray

Classic Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

These classic vanilla cupcakes are incredibly easy to make and result in perfectly soft, fluffy, and flavorful treats. They are perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a sweet craving.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk room temperature

Equipment

  • oven
  • muffin tin
  • paper liners
  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • large bowl
  • electric mixer
  • wooden skewer
  • wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Mixing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed; then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients in three parts with the milk in two parts to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined after each addition.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into a cupcake comes out clean.
Cooling
  1. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; frost once entirely cooled.

Notes

Ensure all cold ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a well-emulsified batter and a lighter, fluffier cupcake. Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and tough cupcakes.