Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

This vanilla cupcake recipe creates soft, light, and incredibly moist cupcakes with a tender crumb. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a classic homemade dessert. Discover more flavorful recipes like Vanilla Cupcake Recipe right here.

Ingredients

Vanilla Cupcakes

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup water

Vanilla Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 pinch salt

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
• Slowly add the water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
• Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with batter.
• Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
• Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream.
• Add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
• Add additional milk or cream as needed, along with the salt, and beat until the frosting reaches a pipeable consistency.
• Frost the cooled cupcakes and serve.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 to 26 cupcakes