🧁 Golden Vanilla Cupcakes
Yield: 12 cupcakes • Prep: 15 min • Bake: 18–22 min • Total: ~35 min
Introduction
Fluffy, moist, and simply golden—these vanilla cupcakes are soft-crumbed with a gentle buttery flavor. Perfect plain, dusted with sugar, or crowned with your favorite frosting.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil for extra moisture
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 min). Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- On low speed, mix in dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk (and oil if using). Stop when just combined.
- Divide batter evenly (about ¼ cup each). Tap pan lightly to release bubbles.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before frosting (or enjoy plain!).
Methods
- Creaming method (above): Best volume and tender crumb.
- One-bowl shortcut: Whisk all dry, add wet, stir just to combine—great for speed.
- Oil-forward version: Replace ¼ of butter with oil for extra softness the next day.
History
Cupcakes appeared in American cookbooks in the early 1800s—named for being baked in cups and measured by the cup. They became party staples thanks to quick baking and easy portioning.
Benefits
- Quick to make, bake, and cool—ideal for last-minute treats.
- Neutral vanilla base pairs with any frosting or filling.
- Easy to scale and decorate for events.
Formation (What makes them fluffy?)
Air is incorporated when butter and sugar are creamed; leaveners (baking powder/soda) expand that air in the hot oven. Alternating wet/dry keeps gluten minimal, yielding a soft crumb.
Lovers (Serving ideas for sweethearts)
- Top with whipped cream and berries for a light date-night dessert.
- Pipe simple vanilla buttercream and add heart sprinkles.
- Warm plain cupcakes and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.