Everyone loves cupcakes! This is the only vanilla cupcake recipe you will need. They are super easy to make and the texture is light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Watch the video tutorial below and you will be a pro in no time. We love these with our Cupcake Frosting because a cupcake isn’t a cupcake without frosting.
These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties and baby showers and they always disappear fast which is why I always make a double batch for gatherings. They are quick and easy to make and homemade cupcakes taste way better than boxed cupcake mix.

Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

This is the only vanilla cupcake recipe you need! They are perfectly soft, rise evenly and go well with just about any cupcake frosting. The best cupcakes!
Prep: 8min
Total: 30min
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 183 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Sodium 120 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 13 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain kefir, room temperature)
Instruction:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake/muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set flour mix aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed 5 minutes until thick and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition then scrape down the bowl. Add 2 tsp vanilla and beat to combine.
- Reduce mixer speed to medium and add the flour mixture in thirds alternating with the buttermilk, mixing to incorporate with each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed and beat until just combined and smooth, and don’t overmix. Divide the batter evenly into a 12-count lined muffin or cupcake pan, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes at 350 °F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature before frosting.
Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

A simple vanilla cupcake for any occasion! So moist, fluffy, and delicious you’ll make them every week!
Prep: 15min
Total: 35min
Serving Size: 1 Cupcake
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 Cupcake, calories 270 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 98 mg, Sugar 15 g, unSaturated Fat 1 g
Ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (213g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170g, melted)
- 3 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120mL, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120mL, warm)
- 2 lb confectioners sugar (900g, sifted)
- 1 lb unsalted butter (450g, room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tsp whole milk
Instruction:
- Bake for about 18 minutes or until centers are springy to the touch.
- Pipe a large dollop of buttercream on each cupcake.
How to Get PERFECT VANILLA CUPCAKES Every Time
FAQ
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
What is the secret to good cupcakes?
- Use high-quality ingredients.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature.
- Use a kitchen scale.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter.
- Check your oven temperature.
- Don’t open the oven door during baking.
- Bake cupcakes in the center of your oven.
- Use a Scoop to Fill Cupcake Liners.
Is cupcake with oil better than butter?
What makes cupcakes fluffy?
