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Close up image of a vanilla cupcake with a swirl of buttercream, with a few more vanilla cupcakes in the background.
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4.46 stars (46 ratings)

Even Simpler, More Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

How to Make a Perfect Vanilla Cupcake, From Scratch! This Tutorial, with Pictures, is based upon my Simply Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes. The New Recipe is Even Simpler, and More Perfect! You’ll love the Moist, Tender Texture and Rich Vanilla Flavor, and this Method is Easy as be, with just One Bowl!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time33 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best vanilla cupcake recipe, how to make vanilla cupcakes, vanilla cupcake recipe, vanilla cupcakes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Calories: 148kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cupcake pan with papers.
  • Place the cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer, and stir on low speed to combine.
  • Add the butter, mixing on medium-low speed until the mixture resembles damp sand (about a minute).
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl to be sure all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Add the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Stir until fully combined.
  • Fill the papers half full and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Video

Notes

* Learn more about cake flour here: Why Use Cake Flour?
** If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute by stirring 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice into 2/3 cup of regular milk. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, or until thickened and slightly curdled.
*** This cupcake recipe can also be baked in three 6-inch diameter, two 8-inch or 9-inch diameter cake pans, or in a 9x13-inch pan. Bake times may need to be extended.  You'll know your cake is done baking when a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean.  Click here for the layer cake version of this recipe: Perfect Vanilla Cake Recipe.
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Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.3mg