Name: Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 34 reviews

If you have a sweet spot for classic treats that never go out of style, this Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe is just what you need. Light, fluffy, and bursting with warm vanilla flavor, these cupcakes bring together straightforward ingredients and easy steps to create little bites of happiness perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a festive celebration, this recipe is your go-to for reliable, delicious cupcakes that feel just homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three cupcakes with two main layers. The bottom layer is a light golden yellow cake inside blue-green cupcake liners with a soft, spongy texture. The top layer is a thick swirl of smooth, light brown chocolate frosting, decorated with small, round, colorful sprinkles scattered on and around the frosting. The cupcakes are placed on a shiny black surface with a blurred dark background behind them photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great cupcake starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a special role, from lending fluffiness, moisture, and sweetness to adding that rich vanilla aroma that makes these cupcakes irresistible.

1 ⅓ cup flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to these cupcakes.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect lift and texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness while keeping the flavor pure.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens harmoniously without overpowering the vanilla.
2 Tablespoons oil: Contributes extra moisture to keep your cupcakes tender long after baking.
2 eggs: Bind everything together, give structure, and add a soft crumb.
¼ cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and ensures the cupcakes stay moist.
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: The star of the show, infusing every bite with comforting vanilla goodness.
⅔ cup milk: Lightens the batter and creates a velvety texture.

How to Make Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 350℉ and lining a cupcake pan with paper liners. This step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out looking clean and adorable every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first guarantees a uniform rise and texture in your cupcakes.

Step 3: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, beat the sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This creaming process is vital for creating that classic, airy cupcake crumb.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Slowly mix in the oil and eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly before adding the next. Then, fold in the sour cream for extra moistness and richness.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Milk and Flour

Add the milk and dry ingredients in alternating portions—start with milk, then flour, repeat until all is combined. Be gentle here; over mixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and soft.

Step 6: Final Stir and Bake

Scrape down the sides of your bowl and finish mixing with a spatula to catch any stray flour pockets. Pour the batter evenly into your cupcake liners and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, delivering perfectly baked treats every time.

How to Serve Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows three yellow cupcakes, each with a thick swirl of smooth, light brown chocolate frosting on top. The frosting has a soft texture with gentle peaks and is decorated with small, round, colorful sprinkles scattered over it. The cupcakes are in white paper liners and are placed on a shiny black surface against a plain dark gray background. Some sprinkles are also scattered on the surface near the cupcakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These vanilla cupcakes love company. Top them with a swirl of creamy buttercream, a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils, or fresh berries for a vibrant pop of color and freshness that makes each bite even more enchanting.

Side Dishes

A cup of hot coffee or a soothing cup of tea pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, balancing the sweetness with warmth and comfort to create a charming afternoon gathering or a lovely dessert finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand or place them inside pretty cupcake boxes tied with ribbons. You can also add edible flowers or delicate dustings of powdered sugar to elevate their visual appeal and make them the star of your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. This way, you can enjoy their fresh taste even a day or two after baking.

Freezing

Want to save the magic for later? Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for a delightful treat anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This warming step revives their softness and enhances the vanilla fragrance, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt is a fantastic substitute that keeps the cupcakes moist and tender without altering the flavor too much.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, both play important roles—the baking powder helps the cupcakes rise, while the baking soda reacts with sour cream to create extra lift and a fine crumb texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a similar texture and structure without sacrificing the classic vanilla taste.

How can I make the cupcakes more colorful?

Add a few drops of food coloring to the batter or frost the cupcakes with colorful icing to suit any celebration or whimsy you desire.

What frosting pairs best with this Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe?

A classic buttercream frosting is a perfect match, but cream cheese frosting or a light whipped cream topping are also delicious options that complement the vanilla flavor beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Simple Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe will quickly show you that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be sensational. These cupcakes are a warm hug in dessert form—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and delightfully delicious. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to some homemade vanilla cupcake bliss.