Fluffy & Moist Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

My daughters Ellie & Emma have been wanting to make vanilla cupcakes with me, so today let’s get started with this super yummy vanilla cupcake recipe!

Serves: 12 standard cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 23 minutes
Decorate time: 20 minutes

For the cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the frosting:
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk

Vanilla Cupcake Instructions

To make the Cupcakes:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy.
3. Transfer in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until mixed well.
4. Place in half of the flour mixture and half of the milk, first over low speed then switch to medium speed, mix for about 1 minute. Add in the rest of the flour and milk. Mix until well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly into the lined standard muffin tin, about 2/3 full.
6. In a preheated oven, place the muffin tin in the middle rack of the oven. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 23 minutes until cooked, and the toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire to cool completely.

To make the frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and combine, first on low speed then switch to medium speed.
2. Then add the vanilla extract, and beat in the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
3. Place the frosting in a pastry bag. Decorate the cupcakes however you like!