Description
These Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, buttery, and topped with a creamy swirl of pink vanilla frosting that makes every bite feel bakery-quality. Perfect for a quick dessert, small celebration, easy party treat, or sweet craving, this easy cupcake recipe delivers fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor without making a huge batch. Whether you need simple dessert ideas, birthday cupcakes, easy baking recipes, or homemade food ideas for gatherings, these cupcakes are a delicious choice that comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 drops pink food coloring
2 tablespoons sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while alternating with the milk.
6. Mix just until the batter becomes smooth without overmixing.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
11. Add heavy cream and mix until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
12. Mix in pink food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
13. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles.
14. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and softer cupcake texture.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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