Vanilla Birthday Cupcakes
These classic Vanilla Birthday Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, topped with a rich vanilla buttercream that's silky and smooth. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want a timeless dessert, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time22 minutes mins
Total Time52 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: , vanilla cupcakes, birthday cupcakes, classic cupcake recipe, vanilla buttercream
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 459kcal
For the Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 70 g butter room temperature
- 210 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 150 g full-fat sour cream room temperature
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil e.g., canola oil
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 200 g butter cool room temperature
- 330 g powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- 1 tbsp whole milk room temperature
Vanilla Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) conventional. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add half of the sifted dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
Add the sour cream, oil, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until just combined.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter and ensure it is fully mixed.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Buttercream:
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and beat for another 2 minutes until creamy.
Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla paste, and milk in two additions. Mix on low speed until combined after each addition.
Scrape down the bowl and beat on low speed for another 2 minutes until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip (e.g., Wilton 1A).
Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Use the back of a teaspoon to make a small indent in the frosting and top with birthday sprinkles.