This vanilla cupcakes recipe is easy, classic, moist, fluffy, and perfectly sweet — ideal for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration. These basic cupcakes are a must for your recipe collection.
This is a favorite vanilla cupcakes recipe made from simple pantry ingredients. The batter yields light, moist cupcakes that are versatile and easy to decorate. Use this as a base for muffins or add sprinkles to make funfetti variations.
Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Most ingredients are common pantry staples. Here’s what you need and why each ingredient matters:
- All-Purpose Flour – Stir the flour to aerate, spoon it into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the container to prevent a dense batter.
- Baking Powder – Provides lift for a tender, light crumb.
- Salt – Enhances and balances the flavors.
- Oil – Keeps cupcakes moist while keeping the texture light; use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering, since frosting will often be added.
- Eggs – Contribute structure, moisture, and help with leavening.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste gives the best flavor.
- Buttermilk – Tenderizes the crumb and reacts with the leavening agents. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Baking Tips
Sift the dry ingredients. Because this recipe uses all-purpose flour, sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt will help create a lighter, fluffier cupcake. Also measure flour by stirring, spooning, and leveling so it isn’t packed into the cup.
Use a scoop for even portions. A scoop (about a #24) helps fill liners consistently to roughly two-thirds full so cupcakes bake evenly. Avoid overfilling the liners — it’s better to have a few extra cupcakes than batter overflowing in the pan.
Frostings for Vanilla Cupcakes
Vanilla cupcakes pair well with many frostings. Popular choices include:
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting — classic and perfect for coloring and decorating.
- Cream Cheese Frosting — tangy and smooth; a little powdered sugar goes a long way.
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting — richer, silky chocolate flavor.
- Strawberry Frosting — fruit-forward and bright when made with natural preserves.
- Nutella Frosting — chocolate-hazelnut flavor with creamy texture.
- Blackberry Frosting — bold and fruity; great for competitions and special occasions.
- White Chocolate Pudding Frosting — less sweet than standard buttercream and pipes well for decorations.
A reliable base cake recipe makes baking easier for any event. With this vanilla cupcakes recipe in your repertoire, you’ll be ready for birthdays, showers, and casual gatherings.
For another classic, try a chocolate cupcakes recipe as well to round out your collection.
Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (118 ml) oil, (canola/vegetable)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 ml) buttermilk, (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
Equipment
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Cupcake Pans
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6-inch round sifter (recommended)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (375°F for high altitude). Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk the oil and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
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Add half the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. Fold in the remaining dry ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.
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Scoop batter into prepared liners about 2/3 full (about 14 cupcakes). Do not overfill.
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Bake 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
Video
Notes
If making buttermilk substitute, let the milk and vinegar/lemon juice mixture rest for 5 minutes before using.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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