Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
These classic vanilla cupcakes are light, fluffy, and infused with rich vanilla flavor. They bake up with a beautiful dome, a tender crumb, and pair wonderfully with any frosting—making them ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet.
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 183kcal
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or plain kefir, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Reduce mixer speed to medium. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.