Go Back

Vanilla Cupcakes

A simple and reliable vanilla cupcake recipe that stays soft and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes

  • 2 cups All purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt A pinch
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs Room temperature helps
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Use the good stuff if you can
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Just a splash to loosen the batter

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Gradually added
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt To balance sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons Milk or cream Added until fluffy and spreadable

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners.
  • Cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks lighter and fluffy.
  • Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and a little milk, mixing until just combined.
  • Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

  • Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
  • Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, followed by the milk or cream until fluffy and spreadable.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.

Notes

For best results, store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated if using cream cheese frosting. This recipe can also be adapted for mini cupcakes, just adjust the baking time.
Keyword buttercream frosting, easy cupcake recipe, moist cupcakes, sour cream cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes