Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Weekend Warm-Table Favorites

These vanilla cupcakes combine soft, tender crumb with a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and vanilla aroma. Using simple pantry ingredients, the batter is mixed carefully to maintain a light texture before baking. The buttercream frosting is whipped until fluffy with a hint of vanilla, making it easy to spread or pipe for decoration. Ideal for gatherings or casual indulgence, these cupcakes offer a classic flavor with a luscious finish.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:48:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic and sweet dessert ready to eat. Save
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic and sweet dessert ready to eat. | saffronharbor.com

Classic, tender vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy, sweet buttercream frosting—perfect for any celebration or a delightful treat at home.

I first baked these cupcakes for a family birthday, and they were a huge hit with everyone.

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
  • For the Cupcakes: 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Cupcakes: 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • For the Cupcakes: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Cupcakes: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • For the Cupcakes: 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • For the Cupcakes: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • For the Cupcakes: 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: Pinch of salt

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
Step 4:
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined do not overmix.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2 thirds full.
Step 7:
Bake for 16 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8:
For the buttercream, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 9:
Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously with buttercream using a spatula or piping bag.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Beautifully frosted vanilla cupcakes, topped with swirls of creamy buttercream for any special occasion. Save
Beautifully frosted vanilla cupcakes, topped with swirls of creamy buttercream for any special occasion. | saffronharbor.com

Baking these cupcakes together has become a special tradition in our family, creating sweet memories.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, muffin tin, paper liners, wire rack, spatula or piping bag

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens if uncertain.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 3 g per cupcake

Close-up of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, showcasing the light texture and frosted with buttercream. Save
Close-up of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, showcasing the light texture and frosted with buttercream. | saffronharbor.com
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Enjoy these cupcakes fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Common Recipe Questions

What is the best way to achieve tender cupcakes?

Use room temperature ingredients, mix batter gently without overmixing, and bake at the recommended temperature for a moist, tender crumb.

How do I get smooth buttercream frosting?

Beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar and liquids to achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Can I add flavors or colors to the frosting?

Yes, you can add food coloring or extracts to customize the frosting’s flavor and appearance without altering the texture significantly.

How long can the cupcakes be stored?

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

What tools are needed for preparation?

Essential tools include mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, muffin tin, paper liners, wire rack, and a spatula or piping bag.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Tender vanilla cupcakes topped with smooth, sweet buttercream frosting for any occasion or treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
18 minutes
Overall Time
38 minutes
Recipe by Avery Watson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Cupcakes

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

Buttercream Frosting

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Liners: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Batter: Add half of the dry mixture to wet ingredients and mix gently. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients, stirring until just combined without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide batter evenly into liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 07

Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center is clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add milk, vanilla, and salt, continuing to beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 09

Frost Cupcakes: Once cooled, generously frost cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula or piping bag

Allergy Details

Check all components for allergens, and connect with a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This info is just a guide and shouldn't replace a doctor's input.
  • Calories Count: 280
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 3 g