Easy and Delicious Homemade Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup of frosting, flavor of your choice

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
Gradually add the melted butter to the egg mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
Alternating between the two, add the flour mixture and milk to the egg mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them with your chosen frosting.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - Use for combining ingredients
Whisk - Use to mix dry ingredients together
Large bowl - Use to beat eggs and sugar
Electric mixer - Use to beat eggs and sugar until light and frothy
Measuring cups and spoons - Use to measure ingredients accurately
Muffin pan - Use to bake the cupcakes
Cupcake liners - Use to line the muffin pan and prevent sticking
Wire rack - Use to cool the cupcakes
Toothpick - Use to check if the cupcakes are fully baked
Spatula - Use to transfer cupcakes from the pan to the wire rack

Recipe variations

Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate cupcakes.
Add 1/2 cup of mashed bananas or applesauce for a fruity twist.
Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Add 1 tsp of flavored extract, such as almond or lemon, to enhance the taste.
For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Make it vegan by substituting the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana, and using plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
Top the cupcakes with crushed cookies, sprinkles, or fresh fruits for decoration.
Fill the center of each cupcake with a dollop of jam, caramel, or chocolate ganache for a surprise filling.
Create a cream cheese frosting or a flavored buttercream frosting to complement the cupcakes.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delightful Cupcake recipe! This is a simple, yet delicious recipe that will help you create a batch of fluffy and moist cupcakes from scratch. The ingredients are basic and you probably already have them in your pantry. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process step by step. From prepping your ingredients, to baking, and finally, frosting your cupcakes, we've got you covered. These cupcakes are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The end result? A batch of 12 perfectly golden cupcakes that are ready to be frosted with your favorite flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cupcake recipe is sure to be a hit!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder? No, baking soda is not a direct substitute for baking powder in this recipe. Stick to using baking powder.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Can I use almond or another flavor extract instead of vanilla extract? Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred flavor extract as a substitute for vanilla extract.
Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based milk alternatives.
How should I store the cupcakes? Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the ingredients
Whisk - Used for whisking and blending the dry ingredients
Electric Mixer - Helps in beating the eggs and sugar, and achieving a smooth batter
Muffin Pan - Used to bake the cupcakes
Cupcake Liners - Paper or silicone liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan
Cooling Rack - Used to cool the cupcakes after baking
Offset Spatula - Helps in spreading the frosting evenly on the cupcakes
Piping Bag and Tips - Optional, for piping decorative frosting designs
Cupcake Stand or Platter - For serving and displaying the cupcakes

Origin stories

The humble cupcake, a beloved treat worldwide, has American roots. Its name was coined in the 19th century for the simple reason that the ingredients were measured in cups, which was quite revolutionary at that time. Prior to this, most recipes were "weighed" recipes. The term "cupcake" was first used in E. Leslie's 'Receipts' of 1828. "Seventy-five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats" by Eliza Leslie in 1828 is the first known recipe for "a light cake to bake in small cups". Not only did this method speed up the baking process, but it also provided an easier way for homemakers to serve individual portions of cake. So next time you enjoy a cupcake, remember you're partaking in a bit of revolutionary baking history!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.