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Cupcakes: Perfect Vanilla Recipe with Fluffy Buttercream in 5 Steps

Cupcakes

These classic vanilla cupcakes feature a moist, tender crumb with pure vanilla flavor, topped with smooth, creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion, this foolproof recipe produces bakery-quality cupcakes that are fluffy, delicious, and easy to make at home.

 

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk

Frosting:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extrac

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F; line muffin pan with 12 liners
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside
  • Cream butter and sugar 3-4 minutes until fluffy
  • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla
  • Whisk together sour cream and milk
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet mixture in batches
  • Fill liners ⅔-¾ full using a scoop
  • Bake 18-22 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
  • Cool in pan 5 minutes, then completely on rack
  • Beat butter; add sugar, cream, and vanilla; whip 3-4 minutes
  • Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate

Notes

  • All ingredients must be room temperature
  • Don’t overmix batter after adding flour
  • Use cookie scoop for even portions
  • Cool completely before frosting (45-60 minutes)
  • Buttercream can be made 3 days ahead
  • Store frosted cupcakes in refrigerator up to 5 days
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 3 months
  • Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor
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