Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

There’s something about Springtime that just calls for cupcakes. Maybe it’s the pastel colors popping up everywhere, the smell of flowers in the air, or the fact that kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) love a treat that’s both delicious and adorable.

These easy vanilla cupcakes are the perfect little sweet snacks for Easter, Spring parties, or just because you need a reason to bake something fun. And trust me, this recipe is so simple.

These are fluffy vanilla cupcakes, topped with a swirl of dreamy pastel buttercream and finished off with a sprinkle of fun. They’re light, buttery, and have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.

The Perfect Quick & Easy Cupcake Recipe

I know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need another cupcake recipe?” Yes, yes you do, especially when it’s this easy. These cupcakes come together in a snap, making them perfect for last-minute Easter gatherings, birthday parties, or a weekday pick-me-up.

The batter itself is made with simple pantry staples, and you don’t even need a mixer if you don’t feel like dragging it out. The best part? They bake up in about 12-15 minutes.

How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes

Here’s how you can whip up these sweet little treats in no time.

Instructions:

Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake cases.

Make the Batter – In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it gives your cupcakes that tender texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients – Slowly mix in the flour and baking powder. You don’t need to overdo it, just stir until no flour streaks remain. Finally, add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.

Bake – Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before decorating (I know, waiting is hard!).

Make the Icing – In another bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Add Color & Decorate – Divide the icing into three bowls and add a drop of food coloring to each, stirring well. Transfer each color into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Swirl the icing onto each cupcake and finish with a generous sprinkle of your favorite sprinkles.

Fun Easter & Spring Decorating Ideas

Want to take these cupcakes to the next level? Here are a few fun ways to make them even more festive:

• Easter Bunny Cupcakes – Top with mini marshmallow bunny ears and a tiny candy nose.
• Spring Garden Cupcakes – Use green-tinted icing and pipe little grass-like swirls, then add candy flowers.
• Speckled Egg Cupcakes – Sprinkle cocoa powder over pastel-colored icing and top with a mini chocolate egg.

Tips for the Best Cupcakes Every Time

• Room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly.
• Don’t overmix – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before icing – If your cupcakes are even slightly warm, your beautiful icing will turn into a melty mess.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These cupcakes aren’t just for Easter, they work for birthdays, baby showers, or any day that could use a little extra sweetness. They’re also great for kids’ baking projects since the recipe is simple and the decorating possibilities are endless.

So, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because your sweet tooth demands it, these vanilla cupcakes are the perfect choice.

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

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Ingredients

  

For the Cupcakes

• ¼ cup 55g softened butter
• ¼ cup 55g sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup 55g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp milk

For the Icing

• ⅓ cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 drop food gel coloring
• ¼ cup sprinkles
• 1 tsp milk (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake cases.
• Make the Batter – In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it gives your cupcakes that tender texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
• Add the Dry Ingredients – Slowly mix in the flour and baking powder. You don’t need to overdo it, just stir until no flour streaks remain. Finally, add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
• Bake – Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before decorating (I know, waiting is hard!).
• Make the Icing – In another bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
• Add Color & Decorate – Divide the icing into three bowls and add a drop of food coloring to each, stirring well. Transfer each color into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Swirl the icing onto each cupcake and finish with a generous sprinkle of your favorite sprinkles.