Hey there! I’m so excited to share this simple and delicious cupcake recipe with you. Honestly, cupcakes are one of my all-time favorite treats to whip up, and they hold a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them—I was just a kid, covered in flour and sugar, and the kitchen smelled like sweet heaven! These cupcakes are perfect for beginners, and trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll feel like a baking pro. They’re fluffy, moist, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these little delights are sure to bring smiles all around!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cupcake success! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cupcakes, giving them structure. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
• 1 cup sugar – This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely, tender crumb we all love.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened – Using room temperature butter is key here; it blends better with sugar to create that fluffy texture.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and contribute to the cupcake’s rise. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!
• 1/2 cup milk – This keeps our cupcakes moist and adds a bit of richness.
• 2 tsp baking powder – This is our leavening agent, so don’t skip it! It helps the cupcakes rise and become light and airy.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – This adds a warm, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness; it really makes a difference!

And that’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious. Now let’s get started on making these beauties!

How to Prepare Cupcakes

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these cupcakes! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and I’ll walk you through every step.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cupcakes bake evenly. So, while you’re mixing, your oven is warming up and getting ready for the magic!

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial; it incorporates air into the batter, helping those cupcakes rise beautifully and giving them that light texture we all adore!

Adding the Eggs

Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the eggs blend smoothly into the batter, creating a nice, cohesive mixture. If you add them all at once, it might not mix as well, and we want everything to be perfectly combined!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. The flour gives structure while the baking powder acts as our leavening agent, making sure your cupcakes rise properly. The salt balances the sweetness, so don’t skip it!

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and no one wants that! Just a few gentle stirs will do.

Preparing the Cupcake Tin

Line your cupcake tin with paper liners. This makes for easy cleanup and adds a fun pop of color! Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. I like to use an ice cream scoop for this—it helps keep things neat and even!

Baking the Cupcakes

Time to bake! Place the tin in your preheated oven and set a timer for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake!

Cooling and Serving

Once they’re baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is super important; if you frost them while they’re warm, the icing will melt right off! Once cooled, feel free to decorate them with your favorite frosting or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cupcakes turn out perfectly! Here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. It helps everything mix together smoothly and gives you a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. We want them light and fluffy!
• Check for Doneness: Start checking your cupcakes a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want to end up with dry cupcakes!
• Cooling Is Key: Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents your icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. It’s all about having fun and finding your favorite combinations!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to cupcake success!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each cupcake, so you can enjoy them guilt-free:

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Keep in mind, these values are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. With these delightful cupcakes, you can enjoy a sweet treat without going overboard!

FAQ Section

Can I use different flavors or add-ins?

Absolutely! One of the best things about cupcakes is how versatile they are. You can easily customize this recipe by adding things like chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruit. If you want to switch up the flavor, try substituting some of the vanilla extract with almond extract, or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate cupcakes. Just remember that if you add wet ingredients like mashed bananas or applesauce, you may need to slightly adjust the amount of flour to keep the batter balanced. Have fun experimenting!

What should I do if my cupcakes are sinking?

Oh no, sinking cupcakes can be a bummer! This usually happens when the batter is overmixed or the cupcakes aren’t baked long enough. To avoid this, make sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on them in the oven. If they’re still sinking after baking, it might be due to too much leavening agent, like baking powder. Just remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged—your next batch will be great!

How can I store leftover cupcakes?

To keep your leftover cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep the frosting nice and firm, but they can dry out a bit in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. Easy peasy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for beginners—easy steps that anyone can follow!
• Fluffy and moist cupcakes that are simply delightful!
• Quick to prepare, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable—add your favorite flavors or toppings to make them your own!
• Great for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy family nights.
• Minimal ingredients mean you can whip these up anytime without a trip to the store!
• Leftovers (if there are any!) store well for a sweet treat later.

Call to Action

I’d love to hear about your cupcake adventures! If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Did you add any special flavors or toppings? I’m always on the lookout for new ideas! And if you’re on social media, snap a pic of your delicious creations and tag me—I can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Remember, baking is all about having fun, so let’s celebrate those sweet successes together. Happy baking!

Cupcakes: 7 Simple Steps to Sweet Baking Success!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This is a simple and delicious cupcake recipe perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
7. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
8. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
9. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t skip the baking powder; it helps the cupcakes rise.
• Check cupcakes a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cupcakes, beginner cupcake recipe, easy cupcakes