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The Ultimate Moist and Fluffy Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Close-up of a hand holding a soft vanilla cupcake with white frosting, showing the fluffy interior after a bite was taken.
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Bake bakery style vanilla cupcakes from scratch that are incredibly soft and moist. This easy homemade cupcake recipe guarantees a perfect texture every time you bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting the oven ready!
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step builds the air for your fluffy cupcakes!
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (three additions of dry, two of milk). Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You did it!
  9. Prepare the Simple Vanilla Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until combined.
  10. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously. Celebrate this delicious victory!

Notes

  • For the best, soft cupcake texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are truly at room temperature.
  • To achieve bakery style height, use room temperature ingredients and do not overfill the liners.
  • If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract in the batter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/vanilla-cupcakes-moist-fluffy-recipe/