Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Soft Sweet Evening Treats

These vanilla cupcakes boast a moist and tender crumb, enhanced with pure vanilla extract for rich flavor. The buttercream frosting is creamy and sweet, blending butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a silky finish. Baking involves careful mixing to ensure lightness, followed by baking until perfectly done. Cooling before frosting ensures a smooth spread, making each bite delightfully soft and flavorful. This sweet treat suits various occasions and is simple to prepare with basic baking tools.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:29:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert with perfect swirls of icing. Save
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert with perfect swirls of icing. | dewhearth.com

Classic, tender vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy, sweet buttercream frosting—perfect for any celebration or a delightful treat at home.

I have made these cupcakes several times and they always bring smiles to the table.

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk room temperature
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 23 minutes.
Step 4:
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 7:
Bake for 1618 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8:
For the buttercream, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 9:
Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously with buttercream using a spatula or piping bag.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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| dewhearth.com

Baking these cupcakes has become a cherished weekend family tradition, bringing everyone together in the kitchen.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Measuring cups and spoons, Muffin tin, Paper liners, Wire rack, Spatula or piping bag

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens if uncertain.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 3 g per cupcake

Close-up of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, showing the creamy texture and sweet delight. Save
Close-up of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, showing the creamy texture and sweet delight. | dewhearth.com
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These vanilla cupcakes are a timeless treat that never disappoints and are perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

How do you ensure cupcakes stay moist?

Using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the batter helps maintain moisture. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean prevents dryness.

What makes the buttercream frosting smooth?

Beating softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar and milk creates a light, smooth frosting perfect for spreading.

Can I add colors or decorations?

Yes, adding food coloring or sprinkles to the frosting adds visual appeal and festive flair to these cupcakes.

How should cupcakes be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep freshness and texture.

Is it possible to make the frosting lighter?

Substituting a tablespoon of milk with heavy cream in the frosting recipe will yield a lighter, fluffier texture.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Tender vanilla cupcakes topped with smooth, sweet buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
18 minutes
Time Needed
38 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Soft Sweet Evening Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Cupcakes

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

Buttercream Frosting

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix carefully until incorporated without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 07

Bake and Cool: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until smooth. Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 09

Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake using a spatula or piping bag with the prepared buttercream.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula or piping bag

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk).

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 280
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 3 g