Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

With perfect results every time, Simple Vanilla Cupcakes are the ultimate go-to recipe for birthdays, special occasions, or just because! Top these with your favourite homemade or store-bought frosting and be sure to add lots and lots of sprinkles too!

When it comes to baking, there is nothing on earth as inviting and as homey as the taste and smell of vanilla. I know that some consider it to be a boring flavour, but I disagree. Vanilla exudes nostalgic, home-style, and comforting tastes. Why else would it be one of the most popular cakes and frosting flavours?

I have to confess, that I did not start out with the intention to make a recipe for vanilla cupcakes. My goal was to showcase my recipe for Classic Ermine Frosting. Even though the frosting was a complete hit, it was the cupcakes that blew me away.

They were the moistest and most delicious cupcakes I have ever eaten. It’s true! I’m not just saying that because I made them. And, trust me, I’ve eaten a lot of cupcakes over the years, so my claim is backed by years of personal sacrifice (weight gain) and many, many taste-testing adventures.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.

• Butter – Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature! Use unsalted butter here. If you only have salted butter, you can use that too, but if so, do not add the 1/2 teaspoon salt further down in the list of ingredients.
• Sugar – Sugar has more than one function in baking.  Not only does it add sweetness, but it will caramelize too, which will help to brown cookies and cakes. 
• Eggs – Whenever you set out to bake, make sure your eggs are at room temperature too – just like your butter!
• Vanilla Extract – Probably the most common extract and the most common flavouring used in cakes and cookies. 
• Flour – No need for anything special. Just use regular all-purpose flour. I have not tried this recipe with any other type of flour.
• Baking Powder – This is used to increase the volume of the batter and to add texture as well.
• Salt – This is a common ingredient in baking and cooking.  In baking, it helps to enhance and balance the sweetness. 
• Milk – When a baking recipe requires milk, I always use whole milk, unless otherwise stated. 

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE VANILLA CUPCAKES

Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. Line muffin tins with paper liners and set them aside. (This recipe makes 24 cupcakes, so use as many muffin tins as needed.) In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and blend well into the sugar and butter mixture. Next, add the vanilla and mix it into the batter.

Scrape down the bowl and add the following ingredients in this order: flour, baking powder, and salt. Starting on low speed, beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, increasing the mixer’s speed as needed. Add the milk and fully incorporate.

Divide the batter equally among the muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Place tins on a cooling rack and let set for 5 minutes before turning out onto the cooling rack to continue the cooling process. Do not attempt to frost the cupcakes until fully cooled.

LET’S TALK ABOUT VANILLA EXTRACT

There’s one particular truth that I have preached over and over again here at Lord Byron’s Kitchen. It’s a simple truth. It’s that if you are preparing a recipe with very few ingredients, use the best ingredients you can find or afford.

Case in point – vanilla; don’t be tempted to use cheap vanilla. Not all vanilla extracts are created equally. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all high and mighty on you and tell you to buy a bottle of vanilla that costs $40. I have used many extracts that have been cheap that have yielded great results.

I completely trust the Watkins brand and use many of their extracts. And, I love the Rodelle brand, although depending on where you shop, you could spend up to $15 for a tiny bottle. I think my favourite is the Baker’s brand. It’s not expensive at all and the vanilla flavour is very intense in comparison to many other imitation extracts.

WHAT EXACTLY IS VANILLA EXTRACT?

Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a mixture of ethanol and water. It is considered an essential ingredient in many desserts, especially baked goods. Most cakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, custards, ice creams, and puddings, contain vanilla extract.

There’s a pure and artificial extract. Pure vanilla extract contains several hundred flavour compounds, which are responsible for its complex, deep flavour. In contrast, the artificial vanilla flavour is completely made up of artificially-derived vanillin, which is frequently made from a by-product of the wood pulp industry.

Here’s an interesting fact – because of the way that vanilla extract is made, there is no possible way for it to be colourless or clear. Therefore, any clear vanilla flavouring is artificial! As someone who loves to bake, I say get some clear vanilla extract anyway. It’s great for keeping white cakes and cookies, and frostings too, super bright white.

STORING YOUR CUPCAKES

You can store them for 3-5 days on your countertop on a cake stand with a lid. Even though the cupcakes are safe to eat after being left on the counter for a few days, they tend to lose some of their moistness after the third day. But, never fear! If your cupcakes become a little stale, pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds. It will soften it up quite nicely! Of course, you should only do this if your cupcakes are not frosted!

CONCLUSION

At the end of the day, the lesson here is simple. Use the best you got. Use the best you can afford. Will the cheapest bottle of vanilla extract ruin the entire recipe? No! Will the kids your baking these cupcakes for care or even notice? No!

Besides, there’s nothing that some pretty sprinkles can’t make better. And my Classic Ermine Frosting tastes so good, it can practically put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s that simple!