Description
These Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes are the perfect easy recipe when I want a quick dessert that feels special without making a full dozen. They are soft, buttery, and full of classic vanilla flavor, making them ideal for a sweet snack, small party dessert, easy recipe for birthdays, and simple food ideas when I need reliable dessert inspiration.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg white
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
1 to 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Pink food coloring, optional
Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with 6 cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg white and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the 6 liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough cream or milk to make it fluffy and smooth.
10. Tint the frosting pink if desired, pipe or spread it onto the cooled cupcakes, and finish with sprinkles.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour, or the cupcakes can turn dense instead of soft and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Keywords: small batch vanilla cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, quick dessert, small batch dessert, birthday cupcakes, easy recipe, dessert ideas, food ideas