Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about baking a batch of vanilla cupcakes. The anticipation of the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, the joy of decorating each one with swirls of icing, and the delight of sharing them with family and friends make these cupcakes truly special. Perfect for any celebration or just a cozy family gathering, this Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try. Let’s embark on this sweet journey together, creating memories one cupcake at a time.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• For the frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Colorful sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on high for 3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula. Decorate with colorful sprinkles as desired.

Helpful Tips

• Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
• If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can make a great substitute.

Storage Instructions

Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.

Pairings and Complementary Dishes

These vanilla cupcakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a complete festive spread, serve them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or a fresh fruit salad. For drinks, a refreshing iced lemonade is a perfect match.

At Zynahz, we believe in bringing joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope this Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe adds a touch of sweetness to your special moments. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures, so be sure to share your creations with us! Tag #ZynahzCuisine on social media or leave a comment on our blog. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and explore more delightful recipes on Zynahz. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated with our latest tips, tricks, and delicious recipes.