Description
Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor, making them the perfect small dessert for birthdays, date nights, and everyday baking. This easy vanilla cupcake recipe uses simple pantry staples to create moist homemade cupcakes with a tender crumb and classic bakery-style taste.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 6-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and fully combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk, and mix just until the batter comes together.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
These cupcakes taste best when the butter, egg, and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour goes in or the cupcakes can turn dense instead of tender.
For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract and let the cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg