Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Weekend Hearth-Style Treats

These classic vanilla cupcakes offer a tender crumb infused with pure vanilla extract, perfectly complemented by a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting. Simple yet delightful, the batter is baked to golden perfection and cooled before being generously topped with a rich, sweet frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Ideal for celebrations or a cozy treat at home, these cupcakes balance light texture and luscious flavor with ease.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:54:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with generous buttercream frosting, ready to be enjoyed! Save
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with generous buttercream frosting, ready to be enjoyed! | meadowcinder.com

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

This recipe has become a family favorite for birthdays and weekend treats. I love how easy it is to bake and decorate.

Ingredients

  • 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 cupcakes
  • 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: For the buttercream frosting

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 23 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 23 full.
Step 7:
Bake for 1618 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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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of beautifully frosted vanilla cupcakes, showing the moist cake and swirls of creamy frosting. Save
A close-up of beautifully frosted vanilla cupcakes, showing the moist cake and swirls of creamy frosting. | meadowcinder.com

We always share these cupcakes at family gatherings they bring everyone together.

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 (per cupcake)

Calories 280 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 3 g

Homemade vanilla cupcakes: a classic American dessert, perfect with a sweet buttercream topping. Save
Homemade vanilla cupcakes: a classic American dessert, perfect with a sweet buttercream topping. | meadowcinder.com
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Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.
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These vanilla cupcakes are sure to delight! Perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these cupcakes tender?

The combination of softened butter, eggs, and milk creates a moist and tender crumb in the cupcakes.

How is the buttercream frosting prepared?

Butter is beaten until creamy, then powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt are gradually mixed in until light and fluffy.

Can I add colors or decorations to the frosting?

Yes, adding food coloring or sprinkles to the buttercream is a great way to customize and brighten the frosting.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

They are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually after 16–18 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What tools are needed for making these cupcakes?

You will need mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a muffin tin, paper liners, a wire rack, and a spatula or piping bag.

How should I store the cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Tender vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy, sweet buttercream frosting for any celebration or treat.

Time to prep
20 minutes
Time to cook
18 minutes
Time needed
38 minutes
Author Lily Harris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet info Vegetarian-friendly

What You Need

Cupcake Batter

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Bakeware: 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, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Pour in milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Gently mix until homogenous, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 07

Bake and Cool: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula or piping bag

Allergy warnings

Scan all components for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy). Verify labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (one portion)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 280
  • Fat content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Protein amount: 3 grams