Classic Vanilla Cupcake Recipe (2024)

My kids go crazy for this easy vanilla cupcake recipe, especially one topped with sprinkles. If I’m being totally honest, I’m more of achocolate cupcakegal, but even I can’t resist these cupcakes.

They remind me of the white vanilla cupcakes I used to gobble up as a child. The classic fluffyvanilla cupcakeswith creamy buttercream, topped with irresistible rainbow sprinkles, yum. They are perfect forbirthday parties!

The batter is made without egg yolks to keep the cupcake a warm shade of vanilla. They’re moist and perfect celebration cupcakes with sprinkles on top.Also, check out ourconfetti cupcakestoo!

Vanilla cupcakes are a great base to add your own flavors. Top it withchocolate frostingor fill the center with lemon curd or caramel! There are so many options for creating your own version of these.You can even make them into charming flowers!!

How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes

We’ll cover everything you need to know to make fluffy vanilla cupcakes, answer questions and share our expert tips. If you prefer to jump to the recipe, scroll to the bottom of the post where you’ll find the recipe card and instructions.

Supplies

• Mixing Bowls
• Muffin Tin
• Electric Mixer
• Cupcake Liners
• Cooling Rack

Shopping List and Ingredient Notes

This recipe is made with simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store:

Cake Flour – It helps to create a light and fluffy texture and is a staple in many baking recipes.

Whole Milk– Adds moisture and flavor. It also helps to bind the ingredients together. For vanilla cupcakes, it is best to use whole or 2% milk for the most flavor.

Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cupcakes. It also helps to create a light texture.

Egg Whites – These create structure and add moisture, which helps keep the cupcakes from drying out. Use large eggs and make sure they are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.

Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cupcakes to rise. It also helps to create a light and fluffy texture.

Butter– Use whole, unsalted butter, and make sure it’s room temperature. This will add moisture, and flavor and helps create a light texture.

Vanilla Extract– Use pure vanilla extract to add real vanilla flavor to these cupcakes. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the flavor in all of the ingredients.

Baking Powder + Baking Soda – These work as leavening agents to help the cupcakes rise.

Corn Starch – This works with the other ingredients to create a soft, fluffy cupcake with a moist texture.

Salt – Adds and enhances the flavor in the cupcakes.

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcake Recipe: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cake flour.

Coconut Vanilla Cupcake Recipe: Use coconut extract and add shredded coconut to the cupcake batter and top with a vanilla-coconut frosting.

Lemon-Vanilla Cupcake Recipe: Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract and top with a vanilla-lemon frosting.

How to Store Cupcakes

Vanilla cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate

If desired, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them.

Freeze

To freeze vanilla cupcakes, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Frosting for Vanilla Cupcakes

The best thing about vanilla cupcakes is that you can add any frosting you like to give them even more flavor! Here are a few of our favorite frosting options:

Swiss Meringue Buttercream – A light buttery frosting that’s not too sweet and made egg whites

Chocolate Buttercream – Chocolate and vanilla go well together and this is a great frosting to add to the top.

Favorite Vanilla Buttercream – A classic buttercream frosting goes well with vanilla and you can make pretty colors with it too.

Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting – This is one of our personal favorite frosting recipes.

Fluffy Gingerbread Frosting – Perfect if you’re making these for a holiday party!

You can use a piping bag and a large round tip to pipe any of these frostings onto the cupcakes.

How can I make my cupcakes moister?

Adding a little oil to the cupcake batter will result in a more moist cupcake. Other ingredients likesour creamand butter will also create a moist cupcake. We like to use butter, buttermilk, and oil when making cupcakes.

Is white cake the same as vanilla?

White cake and yellow cake are both vanilla cakes. White cake is made without egg yolk making the color of the cake white.Yellow cakehas egg yolks so the color of the cake comes out with a yellow tint.

How long with cupcakes stay fresh?

The cupcakes will stay fresh for about 1 week covered. Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months!
Furthermore, cupcakes frosted with buttercream and just a littlemilkwill last a few days covered at room temperature. Use a dome or an airtight container to store them.
Check out more tips onhow to store cupcakes.

What is the secret to good cupcakes?

The secret to good vanilla cupcakes is in the ingredients and technique. Make sure you use fresh ingredients, measure accurately, and don’t overmix the batter. Bake your cupcakes at the right temperature and don’t open the oven door too often, as this can cause them to sink.