Vanilla Frosted Cupcake Bliss

Name: Vanilla Frosted Cupcake Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes

I have always had a soft spot for cupcakes, and when it comes to a classic vanilla frosted cupcake, they never disappoint. The light, fluffy texture combined with a creamy vanilla frosting makes for a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether I'm baking for a birthday celebration or just indulging on a rainy day, these cupcakes are my go-to recipe. The simplicity of vanilla paired with a rich frosting creates a blissful experience that I love to share with family and friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-02T17:30:27.712Z

When I first attempted to perfect my vanilla cupcake recipe, I experimented with various ratios of ingredients to achieve that tender crumb I was after. After several tries, I discovered that using sour cream provides moisture and richness, resulting in cupcakes that are soft and luscious. It’s a game-changer!

What really drives home the bliss, though, is the homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. I once tried store-bought frosting in a pinch, but the flavor just doesn’t compare. The homemade version is thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet, complementing the cupcakes like a dream.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Light and fluffy cake filled with delightful vanilla flavor
Lush, creamy frosting that adds an irresistible sweetness
Perfectly portioned for sharing at parties or enjoying alone

Mastering the Cupcake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your vanilla cupcakes is all about the creaming method. Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in cupcakes that rise beautifully during baking. If your butter is too soft, the mixture may become greasy instead of fluffy, so ensure it’s just soft enough to blend smoothly.

Be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined ensures that your cupcakes remain light and fluffy. If you notice lumps, that's okay—those will often bake out. Another tip is to use room temperature ingredients, particularly the eggs and sour cream, as they blend better together and create an even texture.

Frosting Techniques and Tips

When preparing the vanilla buttercream frosting, the key is in the temperature of the ingredients. Softened butter should have a consistency similar to that of mayonnaise—smooth but not melting. If your butter is overly soft or slightly melted, your frosting might not hold its shape, making it difficult to pipe onto the cupcakes. To remedy this, you may need to chill the frosting briefly until it firms up slightly.

To achieve a glossy finish on your frosting, beat it on high speed after adding the milk and vanilla. This incorporates air and creates a lighter texture. If you prefer a thicker frosting for intricate designs, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the most delightful vanilla frosted cupcakes!

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure to gather all of these ingredients before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for baking and frosting your cupcakes!

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to frost each cupcake generously with the vanilla buttercream. Decorate as desired!

Enjoy your delicious vanilla frosted cupcakes at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sprinkles or fresh fruit on top of the frosting before serving.

Storing and Serving

These vanilla frosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, you may want to refrigerate them, as the frosting could lose its shape. For longer storage, consider freezing unfrosted cupcakes; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for about three months and can be thawed and frosted later for the freshest taste.

For serving, consider garnishing your cupcakes with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or even edible flowers to elevate their appearance. They make delightful treats for birthdays, weddings, or just a cozy day at home. Pairing them with a glass of ice-cold milk or a hot beverage creates a wonderful contrast of textures and temperatures!

Variations and Additions

Feel free to get creative with your vanilla cupcakes! You can adjust the base by adding chocolate chips, lemon zest, or almond extract for a different flavor profile. For a fun twist, try filling the cupcakes with jam or custard before frosting for a surprise filling that adds moisture and richness.

If you're aiming for a dietary variation, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The results can be just as delicious if you choose a blend designed specifically for baking, which often mimics the texture of traditional flour. Additionally, substituting butter with a plant-based alternative can make these cupcakes dairy-free while still maintaining a tender crumb.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor in the frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond or lemon, to create unique frosting flavors.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes individually. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.

→ What can I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting turns out too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.