Vanilla Cupcakes
Yields: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Bake Time: 18–20 mins
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
For the vanilla buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Make the batter:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour.
Bake:
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting:
Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, cream, and salt.
Beat until fluffy. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.