Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Who doesn’t love a perfectly fluffy and moist vanilla cupcake? These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers. This recipe guarantees light, airy, and delicious cupcakes that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into the process of making these heavenly cupcakes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams) sugar
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (270 grams) cake and pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) 2% milk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Batter
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners or grease it lightly. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. -
Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring the cupcakes will be light and fluffy. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake and pastry flour, baking powder, and salt. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition. -
Add the Vanilla Extract:
Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
Baking the Cupcakes
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Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. This ensures they have room to rise without overflowing. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden. -
Cool:
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Decorating the Cupcakes
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Frosting:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite frosting. A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these vanilla cupcakes.
Serving Suggestions
These fluffy vanilla cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas for serving and decorating:
- Birthday Parties: Top with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Casual Get-Togethers: Frost with a simple swirl of buttercream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Special Occasions: Decorate with fresh berries, edible flowers, or themed cupcake toppers.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Rotate the cupcake pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake and pastry flour?
Yes, but the texture may not be as light. You can make a substitute by combining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with enough all-purpose flour to make 1 cup.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them just before serving.
3. How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frosted cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator due to the perishable nature of the frosting.
4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
5. What type of frosting pairs best with vanilla cupcakes?
Vanilla cupcakes pair well with a variety of frostings, including vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, and lemon frosting.
These fluffy vanilla cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their light, airy texture and delightful vanilla flavor, they are perfect for any celebration. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious treats!