The Vanilla Cupcake is by far the most requested cupcake and flavor that I do. The beauty of this little gem is that is also the easiest and quickest to whip up with only a few hours notice.
However, there is a few key elements to ensure that this basic crowd favorite turns out to be the perfect taste sensation every time. The key is in the mixing and ingredients that you use. This recipe originally came from my favorite Australian local bakery, who unfortunately is no longer in business, but I love that they have left their legacy for all of us to continue to enjoy. Whilst the recipe is pretty much the stock standard ingredients for any Vanilla Cupcake, the secret to success in making this one is in the mixing, so try to follow the steps exactly to ensure the best results.
I know that sometimes it is easier to pop to the local supermarket and pick up a dozen cheap cupcakes and call it a day. However, the fabulous thing about this Vanilla Cupcake is that it is so quick and easy, with ingredients that most baking households have on hand in the pantry or fridge. I personally also love knowing that I am serving a treat that contains good quality ingredients. Where possible I do try and use organic ingredients, such as the eggs, milk, butter and cream, although this is always not a reality. If you have a look at the ingredients listed on some store bought cupcakes, you will find that it has some interesting additions that might make you cringe and think twice about eating it. For example, instead of real butter they will use Crisco in the buttercream and use butter flavoring to create the taste! Now, I don't know about you and each to their own, but the thought of opening a tub of Crisco and chowing down on a nice big lump of it makes me gag a little. It also leaves a lovely layer of fatty goodness lining the inside of your mouth, that tends to hang around for a time so you can continue to appreciate it...but as I said, each to their own. This is how they keep their costs low and gives the cupcakes a longer shelf life, however I am always happy to give this a big pass and know that when I am sharing a guilty pleasure with family and friends it is worth every sugary calorie.
Before we get onto the making of this gorgeous little party favorite, also note another added benefit is that you can add almost any flavored frosting or color to jazz it up to go with any party theme or season. It really is the ultimate party allrounder!
VANILLA CUPCAKES
2 3/4 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
200g softened unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups castor sugar 🇦🇺(Bakers Sugar 🇺🇸)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk (room temp)
Preheat oven to 170c (338f).
Sift together the flour and baking power.
Cream the butter for approx. 2 mins, or until the color changes slightly to a light yellow. Add 1/3 of the sugar at a time and beat for 2 minutes with each addition, continue to beat until light and fluffy and the sugar looks like it has dissolved.
Add one egg at a time and beat for 1 minute after each addition, again, after the last addition beat until it is light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract (note here that I use extract, I find it has more flavor than essence).
On a low speed add 1/3 of the flour until combined, then add 1/3 of the milk until combined and repeat. DO NOT over beat the mixture, it will give you tough cupcakes..eeww! I often beat on the lowest speed and just as the mixture combines, I remove from the mixer and then hand mix with a spatula to ensure it is well combined.
Then fill your cupcake papers with the delicious cake batter. I use an ice-cream scoop to evenly fill the cupcake papers, added bonus it is super quick. The cupcake paper should be filled to about 3/4 of the way, as they will rise.
Bake for 18-20 mins. To test, insert with fine skewer until it comes out clean.
Remove cupcakes from the baking trays immediately so they do not continue to bake and cool on a wire rack for approximately 30 minutes before frosting.
Mouthwatering Buttercream Frosting coming next...Stay tuned and Happy Baking!
Where Style and Flair, meet Good Taste!
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