Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
This is your go-to vanilla cupcake recipe—light, fluffy, and full of sweet vanilla flavor. These cupcakes rise evenly, have a tender crumb, and pair perfectly with any frosting, making them ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday treats.
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 183kcal
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or plain kefir, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until thick and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.