Description
Light, tender vanilla cupcakes topped with smooth vanilla buttercream—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup canola oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or increase to ½ cup for richer cupcakes)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (preferably pure vanilla)
- 2 ¾ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted if lumpy)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (for buttercream)
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature (plus more to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
- Whisk dry ingredients: in a large bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream fats and sugar: beat the softened butter, canola oil, and granulated sugar until combined and slightly lightened.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in three additions, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.
- Fill muffin liners about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until tops spring back and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat 1 ½ cups softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes with the buttercream.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. For gluten-free, use a suitable flour blend, and for vegan, substitute eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American