Moist Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

This easy vanilla cupcake recipe can be made for any occasion and only takes a few basic ingredients that you already have at home! This recipe makes 12 delicious cupcakes that are moist, fluffy and bursting with that signature vanilla flavor! These cupcakes are frosted with my favorite vanilla buttercream frosting that beats store-bought frosting any day!

The key to this moist cupcake recipe is the addition of greek yogurt!

Ingredients for Vanilla Cupcakes and Buttercream

• Vanilla Bean Paste: This is the star ingredient of this recipe that is used in the batter and the frosting to give that signature vanilla flavor that is so classic and unbeatable! You could also substitute equal parts pure vanilla extract.
• Milk: I used 2% but you could also use whole milk or buttermilk for this recipe!
• Salt: Just a pinch needed in the buttercream and the batter to help balance the sweetness levels.
• Unsalted Butter: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before you use it in both the cupcake batter and the buttercream frosting.
• White Granulated Sugar: A little bit of sugar to help form these rich and fluffy cupcakes.
• Baking Powder: This is the leaven that will help the cupcakes rise perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: If you have cake flour you could also use that!
• Eggs: I know eggs are expensive right now but they are important for the structure of your cupcake. Don’t worry though, this recipe uses the whole eggs so you don’t have to worry about the egg yolks going to waste!
• Plain Greek Yogurt: This ingredient made makes the cupcakes extra moist. You can swap for sour cream for the same effect and texture!
• Powdered Sugar or Confectioners’ Sugar: This will be used in the frosting for that signature American Buttercream sweetness,

How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

• First, make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature. You do not want any of your ingredients to be cold because this will cause your batter to be lumpy and dense after baking.

• First, cream your butter with white sugar in a large mixing bowl for about 5 minutes on medium-high speed. I used a hand mixer but you could also use a stand mixer. Then, add your vanilla bean paste and eggs and mix until well combined. Your batter should be smooth.

• Next, grab your sifter and place on top of your large bowl. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder) into the bowl. Then add your milk and greek yogurt. Mix on medium-low for about 2-3 minutes until your batter is smooth and lump free. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.

• Fill your cupcake liners about 3/4 of the way full. This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-24 minutes depending on your oven.

• While the cupcakes cool on a wire rack, you can make the creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Cream the butter with a pinch of salt on high speed for 5-6 minutes. Add the vanilla bean paste and continue on high speed for another 2 minutes. You could also add a few drops of food coloring at this step if you want colored frosting!

• Now add your sifted powdered sugar in 2 increments. I usually do 1 cup at a time and continue to mix on medium-high speed until fluffy. I usually add a splash of heavy cream after this step to make the buttercream super creamy.

• To get rid of any air bubbles, mix on low speed for a few extra minutes or use a rubber spatula to fold the buttercream back and forth. This will make your buttercream very smooth. Add to a piping bag with your desired tip.

• Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, you can frost them to your liking and enjoy You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

These are the best vanilla cupcakes with the perfect texture and sweetness level! The classic vanilla buttercream makes this my favorite recipe!

These fluffy cupcakes are even good by themselves! You could swap the buttercream frosting for a Swiss meringue buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or french buttercream! This recipe can also be made into mini cupcakes that would be perfect for birthday parties for the kiddos! You could also make these a double batch for your next event! I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe and as always, poftă bună!