There’s something magical about the smell of vanilla wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting are the ultimate sweet treat that can make any occasion feel special. The moist, fluffy cupcakes topped with creamy, dreamy frosting will have you dancing in your kitchen like no one’s watching.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a surprise gathering, or simply a Tuesday that needs some joy, these cupcakes promise to bring smiles and happy taste buds. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of sweetness and nostalgia that might just take you back to childhood baking adventures with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting are incredibly easy to whip up for any occasion
- Their rich flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds
- The pastel colors and swirls of frosting make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Perfect for birthdays or casual get-togethers, they adapt easily to suit any theme
Ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cupcakes; it gives them structure and softness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely texture we all adore.
Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for a creamy frosting and moist cupcakes.
Eggs: They add richness and help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: The star ingredient that provides that deliciously aromatic flavor.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the batter moist and adds flavor.
For the Buttercream Frosting:
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener gives the frosting its signature smoothness and sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best; it creates that rich, creamy consistency we all love in frosting.
Vanilla Extract: Adding more vanilla to your frosting means more flavor; who could resist?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners because we want our cupcakes looking dapper for their debut.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures even distribution of those essential leavening agents.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl (preferably one that’s not too attached to its previous owners), cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it! You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like clouds in cupcake form.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Don’t forget the splash of vanilla extract! It’s where the magic happens—trust me on this one!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix in your dry ingredients alternating with milk until everything’s just combined. Don’t overmix—nobody likes tough cupcakes!
Step 6: Bake Away!
Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full (we want them fluffy but not overflowing!). Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once they’re done baking, let them cool completely on a wire rack before diving into frosting territory.
Now that you have your beautiful Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting ready, it’s time to enjoy! Transfer them onto plates or a pretty cake stand to show off your handiwork. Each bite will be filled with nostalgia and happiness—guaranteed!
You Must Know
- These delightful vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting are not just desserts; they are little pieces of happiness!
- Perfect for any occasion, they bring smiles and sweet memories
- Plus, they are easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for quick celebrations or random cravings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar. Combine everything smoothly before filling cupcake liners and baking for about 18-20 minutes. This sequence helps ensure fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting by adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a dash of almond extract for extra flair. You can also switch out the butter for coconut oil or the milk for almond milk based on dietary needs.
Storing & Reheating
Store your vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them without frosting for up to two months. Thaw before serving and frost just before enjoyment.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, remember that room temperature ingredients yield better results
- Avoid overmixing your batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy
- Lastly, always use quality vanilla extract for that rich flavor that elevates your treats to bakery-level perfection
Nothing warms my heart like the time I baked these cupcakes for my friend’s birthday party. The joy on her face when she took that first bite was priceless—definitely a moment I’ll cherish forever!
FAQs :
What are the key ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting?
To make delicious Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting, you will need all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and milk. The buttercream frosting requires unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract. Using high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in flavor. Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results.
How do I store Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting?
Store your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking cupcakes. Before serving cold cupcakes, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best taste.
Can I customize Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting?
Absolutely! You can customize your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting by adding different flavors or mix-ins. Consider incorporating chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit purees into the batter. For the frosting, try adding cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or citrus zest for a refreshing twist. These variations allow you to create unique treats suitable for any occasion.
How can I achieve the perfect buttercream frosting?
To achieve the perfect buttercream frosting for your Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting, start by beating softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix well to avoid lumps. Adjust the consistency using heavy cream or milk as needed. Finally, mix in vanilla extract for flavor. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy for an ideal texture that spreads easily.
Conclusion for Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting :
In summary, making irresistible Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting is straightforward and rewarding. By using quality ingredients and following the steps carefully, you can create moist cupcakes topped with rich frosting. Feel free to customize your treats to suit various occasions and personal preferences. Enjoy baking these delightful cupcakes and share them with family and friends for memorable moments!

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting! These light and fluffy cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion, delivering a nostalgic flavor that brings smiles to faces young and old. Topped with rich, creamy frosting, they are as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg