Effortless Vanilla Cupcakes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cupcake Base
01 -
1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract, pure
02 -
3 large eggs, at room temperature
03 -
½ cup whole milk, warmed to room temp
04 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
05 -
½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
⅓ teaspoon baking soda
07 -
½ cup sour cream, brought to room temperature
08 -
2 cups plain flour
09 -
1 ¼ cups sugar, granulated
10 -
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
# Instructions:
01 -
Turn on your oven and set it to 350°F. Let it heat up completely before baking anything.
02 -
Grab a bowl and stir together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until you can't see any lumps. Keep this nearby for later.
03 -
In another smaller container, whisk the sour cream and whole milk together until the texture's smooth. This can rest for now.
04 -
Pop the softened butter into a mixing bowl and run your mixer for 4-5 minutes on high speed. When it's pale and fluffy, it's perfect.
05 -
Toss in the sugar and keep blending at high speed for an extra 2 minutes. It'll look airy and well-mixed.
06 -
Add one egg at a time, ensuring each is fully worked in before moving on. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla and mix just until blended.
07 -
Switch to a spatula and fold the dry mixture into the butter base in 3 parts, alternating with the milk mixture. Stop mixing when you don't see any dry bits, but don't overdo it.
08 -
Line up your cupcake pans with paper liners. Use a scoop (around 3 tablespoons) to fill each liner about 2/3 of the way up.
09 -
Put the cupcake pans on the center oven rack and let them bake for 12 to 14 minutes. To check if they're done, poke a toothpick in the middle of one; if it comes out clean, you're good to go.
10 -
Take the pans out and transfer them to a wire rack. Let the cupcakes cool off completely before spreading on the frosting you like best.
# Notes:
01 -
Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature to make blending smoother and easier.
02 -
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes that feel chewy, so be gentle.