Description
Bakery-style vanilla cupcakes with a soft, tender crumb, rich vanilla aroma, and a light golden top perfect for a generous swirl of frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two thirds full for nice domes.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake 18 to 20 minutes, rotating pans halfway, until tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Finishing Touches: Cool in pans 5 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Swirl with your favorite buttercream or enjoy plain. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Notes
- Room-temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a silky batter and even rise.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level to avoid packing, which can cause dense cupcakes.
- Do not overmix: Stop as soon as the flour is incorporated to maintain a tender crumb.
- Quality vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract for the most aromatic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, bakery style cupcakes, moist vanilla cupcakes, commercial vanilla cupcakes, party dessert, easy cupcakes