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Soft and fluffy vanilla cupcakes with creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for birthdays and kids' parties.
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Easy Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting | Perfect for Birthdays & Parties!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

For Cupcakes

  • 1/2 cup butter ( (113 grams))
  • 2/3 cup caster sugar ( (135 grams))
  • 3 eggs 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large lemon  ((optional))
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour ((195 grams) )
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk ((60 ml) )

For Frosting

  • 2   cups cing or powdered sugar ((230 grams) )
  • 1/2 cup butter ( (113 grams) )
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Any Gel food colors ( (optional))

Instructions 

For Cupcakes

  • Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  • Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Combine Wet & Dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, starting with 1/3 of the flour mixture, then half the milk, repeating until just combined.
  • Fill & Bake: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, gradually adding sifted sugar. Stir in vanilla extract and 1 tbsp milk at a time, adjusting for the right consistency.
  • Decorate: Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost as desired using a piping bag or spreading with a knife.

Video

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let cupcakes cool before frosting—warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Author: Deepali Ohri
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Birthday cupcakes, Buttercream frosting, Cupcakes for kids, Easy cupcake recipe, Fluffy vanilla cupcakes, Homemade cupcakes, Moist cupcakes, Quick cupcake recipe, Simple cupcake recipe, Vanilla cupcakes