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Vanilla Birthday Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

Delight in these classic Vanilla Birthday Cupcakes featuring a moist, tender crumb made with all-purpose flour, butter, and sour cream, perfectly balanced with real vanilla flavors. Topped with a creamy, smooth vanilla buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are ideal for any celebration or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 70 g butter, room temperature
  • 210 g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 150 g full-fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 200 g butter, cool room temperature
  • 330 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tbsp whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) using the conventional oven setting. Line a cupcake tray with 12 cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to incorporate evenly into the batter later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time into the mixture. Mix on low speed after each addition until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Incorporate Flour Mixture Part 1: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed. Add half of the sifted flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste until just combined, maintaining a gentle fold.
  7. Incorporate Flour Mixture Part 2: Add the remaining flour mixture and mix on low speed until the batter is just combined. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the batter.
  8. Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Remove from the oven and place the cupcake tray on a cooling rack. After about 5 minutes, carefully remove cupcakes from the tray and allow them to cool completely on the rack.
  10. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Sift the powdered sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until creamy. Scrape down the bowl, then continue beating for 2 more minutes.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavor: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and whole milk in two parts, mixing on low speed to fully incorporate each addition before adding the next.
  12. Finalize Buttercream: Scrape down the sides again and beat on low speed for 2 additional minutes until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.
  13. Pipe and Decorate: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip such as Wilton 1A. Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto each cooled cupcake, then create a small indent at the top of the buttercream with the back of a teaspoon. Decorate with birthday sprinkles as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the best texture and mixing results.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cupcakes tender and moist.
  • If you do not have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract, although the paste adds more depth of flavor.
  • Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Keywords: vanilla cupcakes, birthday cupcakes, vanilla buttercream, moist cupcakes, classic cupcake recipe, easy birthday dessert

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/vanilla-birthday-cupcakes-recipe/