Cupcakes
Cupcakes are such a classic baked good, they’re simple, tasty and the perfect thing to have with a cuppa. I often make a batch of cupcakes and put them all into a big box which my husband and I eat throughout the week. We used to make a cup of tea when we got back from work and then have one or two each whilst catching up on our day.
Now that I work from home, I literally turn my laptop off at the end of work and click the kettle on (I love remote working, its genuinely changed my life!).
Most of the adults in my family prefer plain cupcakes and the kids usually like them with icing or buttercream. I personally love decorating cupcakes with buttercream because it’s so fun and creative. There’s a million different designs in a million colours you can experiment with and I also find it really therapeutic.
I also love how easy cupcakes are to make. Sometimes I’ll get a call or text to say that a family or friend is popping down and if I don’t have any biscuits in the house then I’ll either whip up some cupcakes or simple chocolate cookies. They also make the house smell so nice and homely so that’s another benefit in itself!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CUPCAKES RECIPE
- Timeless Flavour: Vanilla cupcakes have a timeless and nostalgic flavour. The subtle sweetness and sweet vanilla extracts appeals to a wide range of tastes, making them a universally loved dessert.
- Versatility in Pairing: They act as a blank canvas for various buttercream flavours, fillings and toppings. You can top with classic vanilla buttercream, sprinkle on sprinkles or fill with a fruity compote. The neutral flavour of the vanilla complements many different flavours.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Vanilla cupcakes are very nostalgic and remind people of fond memories of home baking, celebrations and childhood treats. The familiar and comforting taste of vanilla gives the cupcakes their timeless charm.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Vanilla cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a party or family gathering, vanilla cupcakes are likely to please everyone. Their simplicity and classic flavour make them the perfect choice for any occasion.
- Perfect Base for Experimentation: These are perfect for experimenting. You can incorporate various fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache and get creative with toppings.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Dry Ingredients – Self-raising Flour, Sugar
Wet Ingredients – Butter, Eggs, Milk
TOP TIPS ON MAKING THE BEST CUPCAKES
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as pure vanilla extract rather than essence and fresh eggs. Quality ingredients help to achieve better flavour and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring ingredients such as eggs, butter and milk to room temperature before mixing into the batter. Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter and results in a softer and more fluffy texture.
- Use Self-Raising flour for a Light Texture: Self-Raising flour has a lower protein content than plain flour and will produce a lighter and more delicate cupcake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined as overmixing can lead to a tough and dense texture. Stop mixing as soon as the batter is smooth.
MORE TIPS
- Add Vanilla Extract: Add vanilla extract as opposed to essence as it is more flavourful and aromatic.
- Add Milk for Moisture: Adding in a little milk adds moisture and tenderness to cupcakes.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking as a consistent temperature is required for even baking. It will also help the cupcakes to rise properly.
- Fill Cupcake Liners Appropriately: Fill the liners about three-quarters full. If you overfill the cupcakes cases, then it can cause the cupcakes to spill over the edges or sink in the middle.
- Get creative with Flavours: You can flavour the cupcakes by adding in different extracts. Try adding in almond, orange or lemon for a different burst of flavour.
RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Oreo Cupcakes – Oreo Cupcakes – My Simple Eats
School Cake – School Cake – My Simple Eats
Jam and Coconut Sponge Cake – Jam and Coconut Sponge Cake – My Simple Eats
CONCLUSION
Vanilla cupcakes are a simple yet delicious afternoon tea treat. They are easy to prepare and take approximately 30 mins to prepare and bake. They can be eaten warm so there’s no need to wait hours before serving. They only require a few ingredients which you will be able to find in the kitchen so you can whip these up if you get unexpected guests. They are a nostalgic and timeless baked good which will please any crowd. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 190/180 fan Degrees Celsius.
- Whisk together the sugar and butter until they’re fully combined; then add in the vanilla extract.
- Add in 2 eggs, one at a time and whisk into the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add in the flour and the milk and fold in with a spatula until fully combined.
- Fill 10 cupcake cases around half-way with the mixture and place into a pre-heated oven for 20 minutes (rotate the tray after 15 minutes so that the cupcakes cook evenly).
- Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tray for around 10-15 minutes before transferring them over to a wire rack.
- Enjoy them warm or allow them to cool completely store in an airtight container for 5 days.
