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OnlineCook
OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Look no further for a foolproof recipe. These vanilla cupcakes come out perfectly every time.

17 Ingredients
EASY
Recipe

Basic Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Ingredients

Servings
0 allergens identified

Instructions

1
|
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2
|
Line two 12-cavity muffin pans with paper liners. Set aside.
3
|
Place the butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, vanilla, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream ingredients together on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and continue to beat until mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute longer.
4
|
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Pour in half of the milk. Beat mixture on low until the ingredients begin to come together. Slowly pour in the remaining milk and continue mixing, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed, until a smooth batter forms.
5
|
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin pan cups, filling each liner no more than 2/3 full.
6
|
Bake the cupcakes on middle rack of oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, 18-21 minutes.
7
|
Check to see that cupcakes are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
8
|
Allow the cupcakes to cool to room temperature before frosting.
9
|
While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting. Place the butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
10
|
Add the powdered sugar to butter mixture in two additions, beating on low speed after each until sugar is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and salt to the bowl. Continue beating on medium-high speed until frosting is light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. If the frosting appears too thick, beat in additional heavy cream as needed.
11
|
Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Room Temperature Magic 🌡️
    Always bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more consistent cupcake batter with better volume and texture.
  • Sifting Secrets 🧁
    Sift your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda) at least twice to eliminate lumps and create a lighter, more tender cupcake crumb.
  • Buttercream Brilliance 🧈
    When making buttercream, beat the butter and cream cheese separately until ultra-smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar to prevent a grainy texture.
  • Vanilla Depth Trick 🌿
    For an extra layer of flavor, use both vanilla extract and a tiny splash of almond extract to enhance the overall vanilla profile of your cupcakes.
  • Perfect Filling Technique 🥄
    Use an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop to distribute batter evenly, filling cupcake liners only 2/3 full to allow for perfect rising without overflow.

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