Simple and Delicious Vanilla Cupcakes
These vanilla cupcakes may be simple, but they are definitely not plain! This classic dessert is full of rich, vanilla flavor and is perfect for any occasion. The easy vanilla cake and vanilla buttercream frosting come together in less than an hour, making this a perfect go-to cupcake recipe!
I have been on a mission the last few days for the perfect vanilla cupcakes! I wanted them to be full of rich vanilla flavor, but also really easy to make! Simple in every sense of the word. I also didn’t want to include ingredients that were difficult to find or expensive to buy. I’m looking at you, vanilla beans!
Make these for the next birthday party, or even for Valentine’s Day with some fun red and pink sprinkles! You’ll love what a quick and easy cupcake recipe this is, and everyone else will love how delicious they taste!
Makes 12 standard cupcakes
Cupcake Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup full-fat vanilla yogurt (greek or regular is fine)
1/4 cup buttermilk
Vanilla Buttercream Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream, if needed
Cupcake Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together the dry ingredients, flour through salt.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the sugar until combined. Add in the eggs, vanilla, yogurt and buttermilk and mix on low until all ingredients are incorporated. Then add the flour mixture, mixing on low until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling the liners evenly to about 1/2-2/3 full. Bake 13-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool before removing from liners.
Buttercream Directions:
Whip the butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla extract. Increase the speed to high, and mix about 2-3 minutes. Frost the cooled cupcakes, and serve!
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Unknown | 18th Jan 19
wow wow love it just made it and its the best little bet sweet but that's okay making them for my girls b-day party yum yum thanks for sharing
Kirsten Bell | 18th Jan 19
I'm so glad to hear that you liked them Diane! Thanks so much! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Naty | 22nd Apr 19
Hi! Would like to do just 6 cupcakes. How do i half the egg and the yolk? Any other things to consider?
Thank you
Kirsten Bell | 22nd Apr 19
Hi Naty! The easiest way is to crack an egg and the egg yolk into a bowl, lightly scramble it, and then just use approximately half the mixture! I love my kitchen scale for this, but it doesn't need to be exact. Any leftovers you can toss or use to make scrambled eggs the next morning!