Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Warm Rustic Bake & Roast Recipes

These tender vanilla cupcakes are baked to soft perfection and topped with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting. Made with simple ingredients like vanilla extract, butter, sugar, and eggs, they offer a classic, sweet flavor ideal for any occasion. The buttercream frosting is whipped smooth with powdered sugar and vanilla, adding a luscious finish. Easy to prepare and bake, these cupcakes can be customized with colors or sprinkles for more festive results. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:51:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert perfect for any occasion. Save
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert perfect for any occasion. | amberspill.com

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

This recipe is a family favorite that brings joy to every celebration with its soft texture and sweet taste.

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

Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Sweet buttercream frosting swirls atop freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, promising a delightful treat. Save
Sweet buttercream frosting swirls atop freshly baked vanilla cupcakes, promising a delightful treat. | amberspill.com

This recipe has brought many family celebrations to life with delicious results every time.

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

Close-up of golden vanilla cupcakes with creamy, rich buttercream frosting ready to be enjoyed. Save
Close-up of golden vanilla cupcakes with creamy, rich buttercream frosting ready to be enjoyed. | amberspill.com
Product image
Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy these delicious vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting fresh for the best taste and texture.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to achieve moist vanilla cupcakes?

Use room temperature butter and eggs, mix ingredients just until combined, and avoid overbaking to keep cupcakes tender and moist.

How can I make the buttercream smoother?

Beat the butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar. Adding milk in small amounts while beating helps achieve a fluffy, smooth texture.

Can I add colors or decorations to the frosting?

Yes, small amounts of food coloring or sprinkles can be mixed or placed on top to customize appearance and add festive touches.

How should I store these cupcakes to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and flavorful.

What tools are needed to prepare 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 for frosting.

Are these cupcakes suitable for dietary restrictions?

These contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Always check ingredients to accommodate specific dietary needs or allergies.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Classic vanilla cupcakes paired with smooth, sweet buttercream frosting for a delightful dessert.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Overall Time
38 minutes


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

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 Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine Batter: Add half of the dry mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients; mix gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Bake and Cool: Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Incorporate milk, vanilla, and salt; continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 09

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always check each item in your recipe for allergens. Reach out to a health expert with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutritional values are for reference and not a substitute for advice from a doctor.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams