- Introduction
In the realm of baking, few treats are as universally beloved as cupcakes. Their compact size makes them perfect for sharing, while their versatility allows for endless flavor combinations and decorative possibilities. Today, we’re diving into one of the most classic and delightful cupcake recipes: Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. This combination is a timeless favorite, marrying the simplicity and purity of vanilla with the rich, tangy creaminess of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on your own, or simply want to impress your friends and family, these cupcakes are sure to please.
- Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups (210g) |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (2g) |
| Creamed butter | 1/2 cup (113g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200g) |
| Eggs | 2 large eggs |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon (15ml) |
| Milk | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (227g) |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons (57g) |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups (240g) |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon (15ml) |
- Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer
- Two 12-cup muffin tins
- Ice cream scoop or spoon
- Pastry bag with a star tip (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
- Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tins
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners. This will ensure that your cupcakes come out easily and cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients can help remove any lumps and ensure an even distribution throughout the batter. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture in your cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand-held electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should be pale yellow and airy, which indicates that air has been incorporated into the batter, contributing to the fluffiness of the final product.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After all the eggs have been added, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and homogeneous at this point.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Once that is fully incorporated, pour in half of the milk. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and milk. Be careful not to overmix the batter; just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes due to the development of gluten.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins
Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with the batter. You should have enough batter for 24 cupcakes, so you may need to bake them in batches if your tins only hold 12 each.
Step 7: Bake Cupcakes
Place the filled muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Rotate the tins halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential because it prevents the cupcakes from falling apart when you frost them.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Finally, stir in the lemon juice to balance the sweetness and add a bit of brightness to the frosting.
Step 9: Frost Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. If you’re using a pastry bag with a star tip, this will give your frosting a professional look. Otherwise, a simple offset spatula works well for spreading the frosting evenly.
- Tips and Variations
Storage Tips
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the cupcakes in the refrigerator, but remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Variations
If you’d like to add a twist to this classic recipe, consider the following variations:
- Fruit Filling: Spoon a small amount of jam or preserves into the center of each cupcake before adding the batter. Raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry are popular choices.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate chip cupcake variation.
- Spices: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Conclusion
These Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the simplicity of vanilla with the rich, tangy creaminess of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious cupcakes and savor every bite!
