Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

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These classic vanilla cupcakes offer a tender crumb perfectly complemented by a creamy, sweet buttercream frosting. Made with simple ingredients like vanilla extract, butter, and sugar, they're straightforward to prepare and bake within 38 minutes total. After cooling, the cupcakes are generously frosted to deliver a melt-in-your-mouth treat ideal for celebrations or everyday enjoyment. Tips include adding sprinkles for color or substituting milk with heavy cream for richer frosting texture.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:27:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes, frosted generously with creamy buttercream, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes, frosted generously with creamy buttercream, ready to enjoy. | olivefrost.com

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

These cupcakes have been a favorite in my family for years and always bring smiles to gatherings.

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 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 2/3 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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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
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Homemade vanilla cupcakes: a close-up shows tender cake beneath sweet buttercream swirls. Save to Pinterest
Homemade vanilla cupcakes: a close-up shows tender cake beneath sweet buttercream swirls. | olivefrost.com

Baking these cupcakes together is a cherished family moment full of laughter and sweetness.

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

Delightful image of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, topped with smooth, vanilla buttercream frosting. Save to Pinterest
Delightful image of freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, topped with smooth, vanilla buttercream frosting. | olivefrost.com
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Enjoy your perfectly moist vanilla cupcakes topped with silky buttercream frosting every time.

Recipe FAQs

What ingredients provide the rich vanilla flavor?

The rich vanilla taste comes from pure vanilla extract added both to the cupcake batter and the buttercream frosting.

How can I ensure the cupcakes stay moist?

Using whole milk and softened unsalted butter contribute to a tender, moist crumb in the cupcakes.

Can the frosting be modified for different textures?

Yes, substituting a tablespoon of milk with heavy cream makes the buttercream frosting lighter and fluffier.

What baking temperature yields the best results?

Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes allows for even cooking with a tender center and slightly crisp edges.

How should cupcakes be stored after preparation?

Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.

Can I add decorations to these vanilla cupcakes?

Absolutely, adding sprinkles or food coloring to the buttercream offers festive and colorful enhancements.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Soft vanilla cupcakes crowned with luscious buttercream, perfect for any occasion or casual indulgence.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
18 minutes
Overall Duration
38 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You 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 Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix 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 vanilla extract.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Fill cupcake liners: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.

Step 07

Bake cupcakes: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let 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, beating until smooth. Incorporate milk, vanilla, and salt; beat for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 09

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

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 3 g