Cupcakes Recipe

The Fluffiest Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe Ever Made

Sweet and decadent chocolate cupcakes recipe will transport you to dessert paradise with every heavenly bite.

These delightful treats promise pure indulgence from the first moment you see them.

Soft, moist, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, they’re perfect for any celebration or spontaneous sugar craving.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe that delivers exceptional results.

The secret lies in quality ingredients and precise mixing techniques that ensure a perfect texture.

Chocolate lovers will adore how these cupcakes melt in your mouth, creating an irresistible moment of pure bliss.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread across everyone’s faces.

Cupcakes Everyone Craves at the Dessert Table

  • Craft Comforting Meal: Perfect for creating a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like a big culinary hug with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheeses or adding protein to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Packed with hidden vegetables and cheesy goodness that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults.
  • Low-Stress Cooking: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that allows even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Cupcake Ingredients List for Every Occasion

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure and base for the cupcake's texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cupcakes rise and create a light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with browning and texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture and structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Milk: Helps to create a moist and tender cake texture.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter, Confectioners Sugar: Create a smooth, creamy frosting base with a sweet flavor.
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract: Add moisture and enhance the frosting's flavor and consistency.

Stepwise Instructions for Baking Perfect Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a standard 12-cup muffin pan and line it with cheerful paper cups.

Step 2: Mix Dry Foundation

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend until everything looks evenly combined.

Step 3: Create Buttery Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks fluffy and light with a cloud-like texture.

Step 4: Introduce Egg Allies

Drop eggs into the buttery mixture one at a time, stirring after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Elements

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients in three separate rounds. Splash milk between dry ingredient additions.

Mix until ingredients just come together without overmixing.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Homes

Scoop batter evenly into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Topping

Beat butter and powdered sugar in a bowl until silky. Add milk and vanilla, continuing to mix until frosting looks light and fluffy.

Step 9: Dress Cupcakes

Once cupcakes have completely cooled, generously spread frosting on top of each cupcake.

Notes for Sweet and Fluffy Cupcakes

  • Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the perfect creamy texture for smoother mixing.
  • Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife to prevent dense, dry cupcakes from over-measuring.
  • Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature, ensuring even baking and preventing uneven or burnt cupcakes.
  • Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for better ingredient integration and a more consistent batter.
  • Stir batter just until ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender cupcake texture and prevent tough results.

Fun Flavors to Try in Your Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a similar texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cupcake Option: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chocolate chips for an intense chocolate cupcake experience.
  • Fruit-Infused Cupcakes: Fold in fresh berries or diced fruit into the batter, creating a fruity burst of flavor in each bite.

Sips and Treats With Fresh Cupcakes

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Cold, whole milk complements the sweet vanilla cupcake perfectly, balancing the sugary frosting with its smooth, rich texture.
  • Create Espresso Moment: A freshly brewed shot of espresso or cappuccino cuts through the sweetness, offering a robust contrast that enhances the cupcake's delicate flavor.
  • Match with Berry Delight: Fresh strawberries or raspberry coulis provide a tangy, bright accompaniment that cleanses the palate and adds a vibrant fruity note to each bite.
  • Elevate with Dessert Wine: A light, sweet moscato or late harvest riesling brings out the subtle vanilla notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience that feels elegant and indulgent.

Keeping Cupcakes Fresh and Moist Longer

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from sticking.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Place cupcakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store frozen frosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. For frozen cupcakes, let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for these cupcakes?

The key ingredients are flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  • Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.

  • How do I know if the cupcakes are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cupcakes are done.

  • Why do I need to alternate adding dry and wet ingredients?

Alternating helps prevent overmixing and ensures a smoother, more consistent batter with better texture.

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Cupcakes Recipe

Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate cupcakes bring pure bliss to dessert lovers seeking rich, moist perfection. Creamy frosting and delicate chocolate layers promise a delightful escape into sweet comfort you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs

Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and arrange paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  3. Transform butter and granulated sugar into a light, airy consistency by creaming them thoroughly in a large bowl.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, then blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Construct the batter by gradually introducing dry ingredients and milk, alternating in three and two parts respectively, mixing until just harmonized.
  6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared cupcake liners, ensuring balanced portioning.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F, confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
  8. Craft frosting by whipping softened butter and confectioners sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  9. Enhance frosting with milk and vanilla extract, beating until achieving a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
  10. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adorning with desired amount of frosting.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes by stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking to guarantee even browning and consistent rise.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant bakers.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 184 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 157 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 44 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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