Things have been a little crazy around here. Charley, our 10-year old Shepherd mix was supposed to have surgery on his right hip yesterday but he's been having back problems so the surgery is delayed. Tomorrow, he gets an MRI of his back and hopefully we'll know more next week. I have been tense, stressed, doing a lot of crying and getting so worried. But Curtis and everyone else reminds me that I need to remain positive and deal with anything that comes along as it comes. Part of my problem has always been anticipation, the anticipation of anything makes me worry. I can barely watch a suspense thriller on tv or at the movie theater without getting stressed. I know I need to work on all of this.
Today, I took it a little easy that's why this post is going up a little bit late. Today is my birthday! I made cupcakes a few days ago to celebrate. Maybe some will think it's sad that I made my own birthday cake but ahhh, I got over it a long time ago. I did do it a couple of years ago. 🙂 Someone once told me this way, you get what you want on your birthday! Haha
I worked through many iterations of this vanilla cupcake recipe and finally was happy with it. The base of the recipe is butter and because of the butter and even though I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour like some recipes recommend, it has a tender crumb. It has a nice buttery vanilla flavor and I love it. I like to use a full 1/4 cup of batter for each cupcake for this recipe but if you like smaller cupcakes, feel free to use a 3 Tablespoon cookie scoop. And I tested different oven temperatures and really like the texture and flavor of the cupcake at 325 degrees and baking it for a little longer than usual. They are the best vanilla cupcake! Anddd, I'm using my favorite cupcake shop's vanilla buttercream for this recipe. It's my favorite vanilla buttercream recipe these days!
Most of the time when baking, I mix all of the dry ingredients together and set aside.
Place all eggs and egg whites into a bowl to make it easier to add each egg one at a time to the cake batter.
Last year, KitchenAid sent me a Pro Line® 7-Quart Stand Mixer and it has a place on my kitchen counter…always. I have limited counter space and this is one of three countertop appliances that don't get stored in the pantry or a closet when not in use. Be sure to check out the giveaway I have going on for one!
Cream the butter and sugar using the paddle attachment. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer but I find it goes much quicker using my stand mixer.
Add eggs one at at time, mix completely between adding each egg. The batter will look slightly curdled.
Add the flour and the rest of the mixed together dry ingredients.
The batter will look like cookie batter right about now.
Add milk. You can use low fat milk but I really think it's better with whole milk.
Mix a little, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bottom of the bowl.
And then mix for another 30 seconds and you'll have a smooth cake batter.
Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup and a spoon and spoon batter into a cupcake liner lined muffin tin.
Bake at 325 degrees F for about 20 to 22 minutes.
Ahhh vanilla cupcakes and vanilla buttercream. <3 <3! And here's another birthday surprise, I'm giving away a KitchenAid stand mixer! Go enter now! 🙂
Recipe
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Ingredients
Vanilla Cupcakes
- 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk, maybe a little more
Instructions
Vanilla Cupcakes
- Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Add cupcake liners to muffin tins. In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or can use a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer), add butter and sugar. Cream butter until light and fluffy using the paddle attachment. On slow speed, add eggs, one at a time and until completely mixed. Then, add vanilla extract and vegetable oil and mix.
- Add dry ingredients and mix on slow speed until incorporated. Do not overmix. Add milk and mix on slow speed for 30 seconds. Scrape bottom and mix again for 20 to 30 second or until batter is smooth.
- Scoop or pour 1/4 cup batter into each cupcake liner. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick in center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from muffin tin and allow to cool on cooling rack.
Vanilla Buttercream
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and beat with paddle attachment until smooth. Add powdered sugar in two batches and mix until creamed. Add vanilla and mix.
- Add milk, gradually, starting with half. Mix and and continue adding milk until smooth. Continue mixing buttercream for 4 to 5 minutes. Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately. Place buttercream on your kitchen counter for at least 15 to 20 minutes before using (if refrigerating).
Notes
Freezing Tips
The baked cupcakes freeze really well. Make sure they are completely cooled and place in a freezer-safe zippered plastic bag (do not stack them) and freeze them until you're ready to eat. Defrost in your refrigerator overnight and then leave them on your counter (still sealed) until they are room temperature. Decorate with frosting and serve.
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Disclosure: Giveaway is sponsored by KitchenAid. All opinions are always my own. Affiliate links are included in this post.
Ivy says
Um, for the frosting, I’m assuming you meant 2 cups of powdered sugar (and not 2 lbs?! :p)
Julie Deily says
Hi Ivy, it’s 2 pounds! Thanks!
Crystal Slick says
I followed this recipe to the tee. The tops were moist and they smelled scrumptious like a sugar cookie but the inside was terribly dry even when sealed in an airtight container.
Jenny says
Hi Julie,
Thanks so much for the recipe! We all loved it!
Julie Deily says
Hi Jenny! I’m so happy to hear this! Yay!!
Juliet says
These vanilla cupcakes are delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe. I used it for my niece’s fifth birthday party and it was a hit!
Kimberly Washbond says
My buttercream doesnt look white like yours, I follow the recipe exactly and still look like a cream color
Jas says
The cream color is likely from the vanilla. Did you use a colourless vanilla? You can purchase it from Michael’s; its in a brown bottle and completely clear.
Emma says
hi! i just wanted to ask if I could use shortening instead of butter?
Ivydq says
Hi. Just want to ask, i’ve followed the procedure of your recipe yet i can’t be able to produce a cupcake with a flat surface on top of it. Mine was look like a muffin. Can you give me some tips on how can i come with one like yours? Many thanks!
Ashley says
These cupcakes look amazing. I plan on baking them, but I want to add a little variety. 12 chocolate and 12 vanilla cupcakes. Do you suggest anything that I can mix into half the batter to make it chocolate without messing too much with the texture of the cupcake?? Thank you very much!!
Julie Deily says
Hi Ashley,
You can definitely try but it will take some experimenting…I haven’t tried it yet so I can’t guarantee you’ll get the results you want since changing up the ingredients can drastically change your results. Another way to change it up is to do half vanilla frosting and half chocolate frosting!
Monique says
Hello Julie,
I am making your wonderful vanilla cupcakes for my dear dear friend. Question: Can I sue almond milk? Thank you!
Julie Deily says
Hi Monique,
I wrote you back via email earlier but I wanted to make sure I answered here. I have not tried almond milk so I can’t promise it will turn out the same. I hope it turns out great if you try it!
🙂
Rhonda says
Happy Birthday! Can’t wait to try your recipe. It sounds delicious!
dina says
they look yummy!
rebecca says
hello! I really would like to make this recipe for my daughters bday tomorrow but she wants a cake instead of cupcakes…is it possible to convert this recipe to cake instead?? If so do i adjust the temp or the time?? TIA!!!
Julie Deily says
Hi Rebecca,
I would bake at 350 degrees F and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes but I have not tried this with this recipe so please know I can’t guarantee it will turn out the way you would like it. I would set the timer and check for doneness. Hope that helps! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Rebecca says
Hopefully this isn’t a silly question but this will be my first from scratch cake. Can I make this as a cake instead of cupcakes?? Does the cooking time or anything change?? TIA
Lindsay Lee says
Just made these they are AMAZING!!! I’m never gonna buy a store bought cake mix again!!!
Julie Deily says
Hi Lindsay,
Yay!!! So happy to hear this! I just love these cupcakes and it makes me smile to hear you made them and love them! 🙂
Kristen says
These look amazing! I hope you had a great birthday! 🙂
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I am so very sorry to hear that Charley is having more problems. 🙁 I hope he is recovering speedily. And I hope you had a very happy birthday, LOVE these sweet cupcakes!
YM says
Happy Birthday! Hope you had a wonderful day and also hoping Charley is on the mend soon. He is lucky to have such a wonderful, loving caregiver.
Alicia @ Alicia Carlson Photography says
Hope you had a wonderful, beautiful day, Julie!!! xoxo
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Happy belated birthday!! Hope it was wonderful – though I’m sure it was with these lovely cupcakes to celebrate 😀 love the sprinkles!!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Happy belated birthday Julie! These do look like the perfect cupcake and I think it’s great you make your own birthday cupcakes. I hope Charlie is feeling better.
shelly (cookies and cups) says
These pictures make me happy 🙂 Love you girl!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I hope you had a fabulous birthday, Julie! These cupcakes look absolutely perfect!
Karen T says
I have the same problem with worrying. If I got paid to worry…well….
I am working on that too…and it is getting better the older I get.
I hope all will be OK with your sweet dog. I bake my own birthday cakes too and LOVE doing it. I know I will get a quality product and just what I want. That said, your cupcakes are adorable and festive and the recipe looks delicious. I know it was hard for you to feel celebratory for your birthday, but you should celebrate you!
Jenny @ BAKE says
happy birthday! these cupcakes look amazing! I am going to have to use your 1/4 cup measure trick next time I bake
Tieghan says
Happy belated Birthday!! Hope you day was perfect and I hope someone made you something you love!! 🙂
These cupcakes are so pretty! I love the colorful photos!
Hoping everything went well with Charlie today!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Happy birthday Julie! Your cupcakes are perfect and also sending good vibes for your pup!
Katie says
Happy belated birthday dear friend! These cupcakes look divine–I do the same thing and make my own cake/dessert for my birthday! Sending positive vibes and hugs that all goes well with Charlie!
Nutmeg Nanny says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! These cupcakes look sweet and perfect, just like you 😉
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
Love these cupcakes. Simple but perfect. Happy Birthday!
JenCook says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
These cupcakes looks delicious – so I’ll be pinning this for future purposes!!
Hope your doggie is ok!!!!
Bunkycooks says
I hope your day was a great one and that all goes well with Charley. Dogs are troopers, so fingers crossed for a positive outcome. xx
Mason Canyon says
Happy Birthday Julie. The cupcakes look yummy.
So sorry to hear about your dog, but hopefully everything will be okay. The waiting part is hard not knowing what to expect. Try to remain positive as I’m sure Charley can pick up when you’re upset. Sending positive thoughts and virtual hugs to you all. Also keeping ya’ll in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Charley.
BTW, just wanted to say I have tried your Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker recipe and have been thrilled by the outcome. I would have never put a chicken in a slow cooker without water without your recipe. It makes the chicken so tender. Thanks so much.
Jaye L. says
Happy birthday!!! These cupcakes look like the perfect treat with which to celebrate. I’m going to make these for my sister’s bridal shower:-) Thanks also for the giveaway!
Aggie says
These are the most beautiful birthday cupcakes!! If I liked to bake, and was good at it, I would totally make my own birthday cake! Vanilla is my favorite 🙂
Thinking of you and charley…hugs
Suzann Z says
Yesterday was my sister’s birthday and my daughter’s birthday! Great day for a birthday cupcake. I’m going to make these this afternoon. I’ve tried many vanilla cupcake recipes and have not found one I LOVE. I think this may be the one. I hope your dog does well with the surgery. It is very stressful…I know. We’ve gone through it a number of times with our dogs. Trust your vet and keep good thoughts.
JaneC says
Happy Birthday Julie. Those cupcakes look so good. I have to make dessert for a pot luck lunch this month, thinking I might try those. I want to learn how to do the frosting to look like that. Any hints?
I make my own birthday cake too. Generally it tends to be Dorie Greenspan’s Almost Fudge Gateau. Decadence.
I hope your poor dog is better soon. It’s really hard on us when they are ill. We have three 15 year old pets (one dog, two cats). Two of the three had serious health issues this year. It’s so stressful, and I sure understand the crying and worrying. I hope Charley will be fine soon.
Emily @ Life on Food says
Chocolate is my favorite but there is something about vanilla cupcakes that make me always go for those first. These look great.
Andrea Y says
Happy Birthday Julie and Hugs to Charlie.
Courtney says
I’ve been thinking about you guys and of course Charley! I hope for the best and will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers! Many hugs!! Hoping you had a happy birthday – and I WILL be making this recipe asap! It has all things Kaylee can eat too 🙂
Diane {Created by Diane} says
These look delicious and there really is nothing better than getting what you want on your birthday even if that means doing it yourself. These are so pretty and I’m sure delicious!!!
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says
They look amazing!! Happy Birthday, Julie!
sabina edwards says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I hope it was a good one even if you had to bake for yourself
Terri C says
Happy Birthday! So sorry about your sweet dog 🙁 . My favorite cake is vanilla. These look so good! I’m going to Pin them and make them soon! Hope everything goes well.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE!!! These cupcakes are perfect! I always make my own birthday cake too. 🙂 Hope you had a fabulous day!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I am so impressed with your detective work, i.e. how many eggs, eggs/whites/yolks, size of cupcake, oven temp, cake/AP flour, butter/oil, milk/cream….I have gone through this with yellow and red velvet cupcakes, never vanilla. I’ll just use your recipe 🙂 It’s so much work to get to that happy place but these look amazing! Pinned!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!