Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these vanilla cupcakes! The light and fluffy cupcakes provide the ideal base for a rich, creamy buttercream frosting that’s perfectly sweet. The gentle blush pink color adds a charming, romantic touch, making them perfect for special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or a spring tea party. The combination of the vanilla flavor and the creamy buttercream will leave you craving another bite after each one. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Blush Pink Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of pink food coloring
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring. Mix until fully combined and the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Using a piping bag or a spatula, frost the cooled cupcakes with the blush pink buttercream.
- Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or edible flowers.
Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Cupcakes with Blush Pink Buttercream!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 cupcakes.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: Around 1 hour
Variations
- Flavor variations: You can easily change up the flavor of these cupcakes by adding a few teaspoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version. Or, substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Frosting options: Instead of blush pink, try different food coloring shades to match your theme, or make a white buttercream with a hint of lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist.
- Cupcake add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or berries to the cupcake batter for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cupcakes freeze well. Place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.
- Reheating: Reheat cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container until ready to frost and serve.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the cupcakes?
Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
3. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract to give the cupcakes a unique, nutty flavor.
4. How do I make the frosting more stiff?
If your buttercream is too soft, you can add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you prefer.
6. How do I get the perfect cupcake texture?
Make sure to not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
7. Can I make the frosting without food coloring?
Yes, the frosting will still taste amazing without food coloring. It will remain a creamy white shade, perfect for any occasion.
8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A hand mixer will work just as well for both the cupcake batter and the frosting.
9. Can I make the cupcakes without frosting?
Yes, you can enjoy the cupcakes without frosting for a more simple treat or top them with whipped cream instead.
10. What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of heavy cream or milk to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
These vanilla cupcakes with blush pink buttercream frosting are the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and elegance. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of a simple cupcake base and a fluffy, creamy frosting makes for a delicious treat that’s both beautiful and irresistible. Enjoy baking, and savor each bite!
Vanilla Cupcakes with Blush Pink Buttercream Frosting
These Vanilla Cupcakes with Blush Pink Buttercream Frosting are a dreamy, soft, and moist treat perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or spring celebrations. Topped with a delicate blush pink buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are the ultimate combination of elegance and sweetness. They are easy to make and sure to impress, with a light vanilla flavor and velvety frosting that’ll leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- cooling time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: Around 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Blush Pink Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of pink food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring. Mix until fully combined and the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the blush pink buttercream using a piping bag or spatula. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or edible flowers.
- Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Cupcakes with Blush Pink Buttercream!
Notes
- For variations, you can add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version or switch the vanilla extract for almond extract.
- You can also change the frosting color to match any event theme.
- The frosting can be decorated with sprinkles or edible flowers for extra charm.
