Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Featured in: Light Sweet Maple Treats

Enjoy a batch of tender vanilla cupcakes with a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting. The cupcakes are made by combining flour, baking powder, softened butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk to create a light, fluffy batter. After baking, they are cooled and generously topped with a sweet buttercream made from butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt. These treats offer a perfect balance of rich vanilla flavor and creamy sweetness, ideal for any gathering or a delightful homemade indulgence.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:02:00 GMT
Fluffy, homemade vanilla cupcakes with creamy, swirled buttercream frosting; a dessert dream. Save
Fluffy, homemade vanilla cupcakes with creamy, swirled buttercream frosting; a dessert dream. | maplelumen.com

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

I have always enjoyed making these cupcakes because they never fail to bring smiles to family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 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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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Perfectly frosted vanilla cupcakes, a classic dessert with a delightful buttercream frosting topping. Save
Perfectly frosted vanilla cupcakes, a classic dessert with a delightful buttercream frosting topping. | maplelumen.com

These cupcakes have become a family favorite during celebrations and weekend treats alike.

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.

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Close-up of golden vanilla cupcakes with a generous swirl of sweet vanilla buttercream, ready to eat. | maplelumen.com
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These vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting are a surefire way to impress your guests.

Vanilla Cupcakes Buttercream Frosting

Soft vanilla cupcakes topped with creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Overall Duration
38 minutes
Created by Zoe Collins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portion 12 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

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

Step 02

Combine 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 sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon batter evenly into 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens and speak with your health provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Provided for informational purposes—always consult your health advisor.
  • Energy (Calories): 280
  • Total Fat: 13 grams
  • Total Carbs: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams