Vanilla Cupcakes

Name: Vanilla Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt

Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? These vanilla cupcakes are the epitome of lightness and flavor, making them the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon snack. With their fluffy texture and sweet vanilla essence, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Follow this easy recipe to whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields approximately 12 cupcakes. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for baking.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 cupcake) contains approximately 210 calories, 10g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This nutritional information is based on one cupcake.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.

Serving and Pairings

These vanilla cupcakes pair beautifully with a variety of frostings, such as chocolate, cream cheese, or a simple buttercream. They also go well with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store vanilla cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Cooking Mistakes

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes.
Not preheating the oven may cause uneven baking.
Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture.
Filling the liners too full can cause overflow.
Skipping the cooling step can make frosting melt.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Use a cookie scoop for even batter distribution.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor extract?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my cupcakes are done?

Cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and frost them just before serving for the best texture.

What type of frosting works best?

Buttercream frosting is a classic choice, but cream cheese or whipped cream works wonderfully as well.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips can give a delightful twist to the traditional vanilla flavor!

Conclusion

These vanilla cupcakes are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful sweetness that everyone will love. With a simple recipe and a few tips, you can create a batch of these charming treats that are sure to impress friends and family. Enjoy baking!