Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

These Classic Vanilla Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Light, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are sure to delight everyone with their delicious taste and soft texture. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow directions, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

1. Chocolate Vanilla Cupcakes: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to turn these into chocolate cupcakes with a vanilla flavor.
2. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.
3. Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy twist.
4. Cupcake Frosting: Try different types of frosting such as cream cheese frosting, chocolate buttercream, or whipped cream for a variety of flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Ensure the frosting is also covered properly to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy the cupcakes warm, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, these cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter provides a richer flavor, you can substitute it with margarine. The texture may be slightly different.
3. How do I know when the cupcakes are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done baking.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk? Yes, almond milk or other plant-based milks can be used as a substitute for whole milk.
5. How can I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle? Be sure to mix the batter just until combined and avoid overmixing. Also, ensure the oven is preheated before baking.
6. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cupcakes. Just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly if you use a larger tin.
7. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. Why did my cupcakes turn out dense? Dense cupcakes can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Always measure flour correctly and mix just until combined.
9. Can I add sprinkles or other decorations to the cupcakes? Yes, feel free to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other decorations to the batter or frosting for a fun touch.
10. How do I make the frosting? To make a simple buttercream frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth.

Conclusion

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes are an easy and delightful treat that everyone will love. With a simple recipe and room for creative variations, you can make these cupcakes for any celebration or simply enjoy them as a sweet snack. The light texture and rich flavor make them a perfect base for a variety of frostings and toppings, so feel free to get creative and personalize them to your liking!

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