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The Ultimate Moist & Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes from Scratch with Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A close-up of a moist vanilla cupcake topped with a generous swirl of creamy white frosting.
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Bake bakery-style vanilla cupcakes that are incredibly moist and fluffy. This easy, from-scratch recipe includes instructions for the best classic vanilla buttercream frosting, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, for frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, for frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  10. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat until light and fluffy. Add more liquid, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the vanilla buttercream frosting onto each cupcake.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter; this helps create a smoother, more uniform texture.
  • For extra vanilla flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, these are a great make-ahead dessert option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/vanilla-cupcakes-moist-fluffy-recipe/