There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking vanilla cupcakes from scratch, especially when topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of making these delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, I’m here to ensure you create fluffy and delicious cupcakes that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

First, let’s gather the ingredients. For the cupcakes, you will need:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt

For the buttercream frosting, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Now let’s get started with the cupcakes. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for an attractive presentation.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the two together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet aroma and flavor.

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

Once your batter is ready, I suggest using an ice cream scoop to fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to make the buttercream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract for flavor. If you’d like to add color, now’s the perfect time to incorporate some food coloring!

Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, it’s time to frost them! I like to use a piping bag for a decorative finish, but you can also use a knife for a more rustic look. Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in a spiral motion, or simply spread it on with a knife.

Enjoy your simple vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting with friends, family, or just as a treat for yourself! Happy baking!