This post was created in collaboration with Sarah from @bake.works
A simple vanilla cupcake is a baking staple. It’s the ideal base for a wide variety of delicious treats, and an easy bake to perfect. The amazing Sarah from @bake.works has joined us again to share with us her favourite beginner recipe!
So if you’re baking for a special occasion soon, prepare impress your guests. These easy cupcakes will be the hit of the party, with a classic vanilla flavour and moreish sponge – ready to decorate however you please! You’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again…
Ingredients – Simple Vanilla Cupcake Recipe (makes 12)
To make these easy cupcakes, you’ll need:
- 200g butter, room temperature
- 200g caster sugar
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 3 medium eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp full-fat milk, room temperature
Wish you could see Sarah at work? Wish no more! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch her make these cupcakes, before following the steps below to prepare your own!
Preparation
STEP 1
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan. Line a 12-cupcake tin with muffin cases. If you want to use smaller cupcake cases, this recipe will give you between 20-24 cupcakes.
STEP 2
Start with creaming the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes on high. You can do this using a stand mixer or a hand held mixer.
STEP 3
Turn the speed down and add one egg at a time, waiting before adding the next egg until the first egg is incorporated. Add Vanilla extract.
STEP 4
Now fold in the flour with 3 tbsp of full fat milk. Don’t over-mix – we want the batter to just be combined and fall easily off a spoon. Divide the mixture between the cases, filling each one no more than half full. Pro tip: Use an ice cream scoop for even batter distribution!
STEP 5
Bake for 20-25mins or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Transfer the tray onto a cooling rack. After 5 minutes of cooling in the tin, take the cupcakes out and directly onto the cooling rack.
STEP 6
It’s time for the fun part! Decorate your cupcakes with buttercream or ganache and add the finishing touches with some pretty sprinkles.
It really is as easy as that! The perfect vanilla cupcake, ready to decorate in whatever style you fancy. Sarah choose a gorgeous lilac and pink buttercream combo, and finished off with these adorable “I Scream Ice Cream” sprinkles from Happy Sprinkles. Switch up summery pastels for orange at Halloween, classic reds and greens at Christmas, or sunny yellows in spring.
Once you’ve mastered this sponge, the possibilities are endless! Get creative with your decorating, with toppers, candles and intricate piping. Or use your cupcakes as the filling for a cute cakesicle. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Share your vanilla cupcake creations with us using the hashtag #CakeDecFamous… happy baking!
Credit: vanilla cupcake recipe, all images and video by @bake.works.
Looking for more inspo?
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