Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Weekend Pecan-Style Treats & Snacks

These vanilla cupcakes are tender and moist, baked to perfection with a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting. The batter combines vanilla extract, eggs, flour, and softened butter for a delightful crumb. The frosting blends butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a light, fluffy finish. Ideal for celebrations or everyday enjoyment, these cupcakes balance sweetness and softness in every bite. Baking and mixing tips help achieve perfect texture and flavor.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:37:00 GMT
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert perfect for any occasion at home. Save to Pinterest
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting, a classic dessert perfect for any occasion at home. | pecanthyme.com

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

Making these cupcakes has always been a joyful experience in my kitchen, reminding me of cherished family celebrations.

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes: 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 Buttercream Frosting: 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

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 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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Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
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Homemade vanilla cupcakes with swirls of creamy buttercream frosting, a sweet treat you can bake. Save to Pinterest
Homemade vanilla cupcakes with swirls of creamy buttercream frosting, a sweet treat you can bake. | pecanthyme.com

These cupcakes always bring joy to family gatherings and make celebrations extra special.

Notes

Add food coloring or sprinkles to the frosting for extra fun. For a lighter frosting, substitute 1 tablespoon of milk with heavy cream. Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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.

These delicious vanilla cupcakes feature a generous topping of perfectly smooth buttercream frosting, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
These delicious vanilla cupcakes feature a generous topping of perfectly smooth buttercream frosting, ready to eat. | pecanthyme.com
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Enjoy these cupcakes freshly baked for the best taste and texture.

Your Questions Answered

How do I ensure my cupcakes stay moist?

Use softened butter and don't overmix the batter. Baking at the correct temperature and cooling them properly also helps maintain moisture.

What can I substitute for whole milk in the frosting?

You can use heavy cream or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I add color to the buttercream frosting?

Yes, adding food coloring or sprinkles to the frosting enhances the appearance and adds a fun touch.

How long can I store these cupcakes?

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

What tools are needed for baking these cupcakes?

Essential tools include mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups, a muffin tin with paper liners, wire rack, and a spatula or piping bag for frosting.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Tender vanilla cupcakes with creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations or delightful home treats.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
18 min
Total Duration
38 min
Author: Ethan Ward


Skill Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Portion Size

Dietary Notes Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll 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 It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted 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 thoroughly after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in the whole milk, then add the remaining flour mixture; mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, apply frosting generously using a spatula or piping bag.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Please check every ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy products.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and doesn't replace a professional's advice.
  • Caloric Value: 280
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 3 g