Light and fluffy cupcakes deliciously flavoured with vanilla. You can’t go wrong with a good Vanilla Cupcake and that’s what this recipe is!
Simple but delicious cupcakes
This recipe is very simple and produces tasty cupcakes every time. Everyone needs a great Vanilla Cupcake recipe in my opinion. These Vanilla Cupcakes are so versatile and they are a fantastic base recipe to have.
As the recipe is easy to follow, it is great for baking beginners but they also make a perfect base cupcake to decorate and create something special.
Are these Vanilla Cupcakes easy to adapt?
I have lost count of how many times I have made these cupcakes over the years as they are my go-to cupcake. I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t like a vanilla cupcake.
They are so easy to adapt to fit any occasion. A very simple way to do this is to use different cupcake cases and sprinkles etc to decorate them with. Another way to customise them is by piping the buttercream differently.
If you wanted to add a but of chocolate to these cupcakes, you could use Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting instead. Or if buttercream isn’t for you, try my Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberries & Whipped Cream.
What kind of vanilla should you use?
You can use either vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, depending on which you prefer. I really like the flavour vanilla bean paste gives the cupcake and I like the little black flecks it leaves in the cupcake.
Whichever vanilla you decide to use, try to buy a good quality vanilla. If you can, aim to buy pure vanilla extract as this has very few ingredients and doesn’t have any additives or preservatives. This is usually brown in colour.
Pure vanilla extract will provide you with a stronger, deeper vanilla flavour which makes these cupcakes even more delicious.
Vanilla bean paste is my favourite to use because of it’s delicious flavour, but also because of the small flecks of black it adds to the cake. It is a bit more expensive than vanilla extract however so use which you prefer.
You can also add some vanilla to the buttercream for even more vanilla yummy-ness. Whichever you use will give you a delicious cupcake!
I would avoid using vanilla essence or flavouring if you can. These are more artificial in taste and won’t give you as good a flavour.
Should I use margarine or butter?
When I am baking cakes that require the fat and sugar to be creamed, I tend to use margarine.
This is because you can use it straight from the fridge and don’t have to wait for it to come up to room temperature like you do with butter.
I have been using margarine in my cakes for years now and I have never had any complaints about their texture or flavour. You can absolutely use butter if you prefer but make sure it is unsalted butter.
When it comes to buttercream, you have to use unsalted butter. Margarine would not work in this instance.
Different ways to pipe buttercream
There are so many different ways you can pipe the buttercream. The nozzle I used in the photographs was a star tipped nozzle, but there are hundreds of different nozzles and ways you can pipe the buttercream.
If you aren’t a confident piper, you can use a standard round nozzle. Start in the centre of the cupcake and apply even pressure and you will get a lovely dome of buttercream.
If you don’t have a piping bag and nozzle, don’t panic. You can snip the corner off a sandwich bag and use this as a piping bag.
How can i decorate these cupcakes?
However you like! You can get as fancy or simple as you like with both your piping and your buttercream.
I have been piping buttercream for years so like to be a little fancy. You definitely don’t need to be! You can even spoon the buttercream on and smooth it out with a knife if you prefer.
With decorations, do whatever you like. Keep them sophisticated and simple or get the children involved and have a colourful mess. It really is up to you.
How many cupcakes will this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 large cupcakes and I use muffin cases for this. You can obviously make more, smaller cupcakes. Whatever size cupcake cases you use, only fill them 2/3 of the way. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the cupcake cases you use.
If you would like to make cupcakes but don’t need 12, check out my Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes recipe. This recipe makes 6 delicious cupcakes.
Vanilla Cupcakes baking tips
Vanilla Cupcakes are a simple cupcake to make but there are a few tips to make them even easier to bake.
When you are creaming the margarine and sugar together, make sure you do this for around five minutes until it turns pale and fluffy. This helps create a light and fluffy finished cupcake.
To make sure my cupcakes are as even in size as possible, I like to use a mechanical ice cream scoop. You can then plop an even amount of cupcake batter into each cupcake case.
Talking about cases, I prefer to use muffin cases rather than cupcake cases. These are larger cases with taller sides. The cases from my childhood were fairy cake cases and were quite small.
You want to make sure you only full the cupcake cases two thirds of the way. If you fill them right to the top you will get a tall and potentially pointy cupcake.
This isn’t ideal for decorating. A flat, even cupcake makes piping the buttercream easier. Baking the cupcake at a lower temperature also helps create a flatter topped cupcake.
Bake the cupcakes until they are light in colour. They should be a light yellow colour and not brown.
When it comes to making the buttercream, room temperature butter is essential! If your butter is too cold, it will take a long time to beat into the buttercream.
It will also mean that you have a higher chance of seeing little flecks of butter in the finished buttercream that didn’t mix in completely.
Other recipes you might like
- Hidden Heart Valentine’s Cupcakes
- Baked Vanilla Doughnuts
- Vegan Oreo Cupcakes
- Pimm’s Cupcakes
- Lemon & Blueberry Cupcakes
- Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Curd & Cream Cheese Frosting
- Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes
Pin for later
Vanilla Cupcakes
Light and fluffy cupcakes deliciously flavoured with vanilla. You can’t go wrong with a good Vanilla Cupcake and that’s what this recipe is!
Ingredients
For the cupcakes
- 175 g margarine
- 175 g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 3 eggs
- 175 g self-raising flour
For the buttercream
- 140 g unsalted butter softened
- 280 g icing sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 160ºC (fan assisted, 180ºC non fan) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners
-
Beat the butter and sugar together for roughly 5 minutes until light and fluffy
-
Add the vanilla extract and eggs and mix again
-
Add the flour and mix until it is combined. Spoon into 12 cupcake cases filling each 2/3 full
-
Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes. Check they are cooked by piercing them with a cocktail stick, if the stick comes out, clean they are cooked
-
Leave on a wire rack to cool completely
-
Once the cakes have cooled completely, make the buttercream. Start by beating the softened butter for a minute or two
-
Add in the icing sugar and beat until mixed
-
Gradually add the milk a little at a time until you get a smooth but still quite thick consistency
-
Spoon the buttercream into a piping bag and pipe onto the cupcakes. Finish with any decorations
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is given as a guide only and may vary.
Kat says
I’ve tried Curlys Vanilla Cupcakes and they are delicious, especially the buttercream 🙂
Tula says
Loved these lush fab cakes #curlyscakesrock #justsaying xx <3
Elaine Sherrin says
Cats cupcakes are the best!!! Maybe she will share other yummy recipes with you…if you’re very lucky.
Debs Sach says
These are amazing! I love Cats cupcakes x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
These cupcakes look so pretty, perfectly piped and the gold sprinkles so delicate. Thank you for linking to #CookBlogShare
Curly says
Thank you. I wanted to decorate them quite simply for the photos but you can go as crazy as you like!
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder says
Lovely classic recipe and they are so beautifully uniform and your piping is so neat! I have got a lot of practicing to do I fear lol. Big thumbs up for vanilla bean paste here too! I have only recently started using it and love it! Thank you for sharing these beauties with #BakingCrumbs 🙂
Curly says
Haha thank you. Years ago I started off mainly making cupcakes so I did a lot of practising. I prefer using vanilla bean paste because of the flavour and those lovely little flecks.
Stuart says
Curly can you add vanilla bean paste to the buttercream also
Curly says
Yes absolutely. Add a small amount and taste it and add more if needed.
Jenny Walters says
These look beautiful. I love your photos and your icing is so symmetrical. I start off well but somehow always end up squiffy! I hardly ever bake a vanilla cupcake and I can’t think why?! Will definitely have a go at these as I would love to be able to produce something as good as these! I love a classic. Thank you for sharing with #BakingCrumbs
Curly says
Thank you Jenny. Haha sometimes I do have a dodgy one but you can just scrape it off and start again and no one will ever know! They are simple but a recipe I go back to time and time again.
Darra says
Brilliant cupcakes but I always struggle with my buttercream melting when I’m trying to pipe in the piping bag, is this because of the warmth of my hands?
Curly says
Hi Darra, it definitely could be due to your hands warming the buttercream up a bit too much. Is the buttercream quite wet before you start or only when you’re piping? If it is a bit wet before you start piping I would recommend adding less milk. If it is just when you’re piping, you could put the piping bag in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to just firm up slightly. Don’t leave it in the fridge for too long though or else it will become too firm and hard to pipe. I hope this helps 🙂
Anna Green says
Omg I have just made these Vanilla Cupcakes I’ve been looking for the perfect Vanilla cupcake recipe & THIS IS IT !!!!!
Absolutely perfect don’t think m going to let any of my family have any I want to eat them all.
Thank you for sharing this recipe xx
Curly says
Thank you so much Anna! So pleased you like them!
Kris says
No offense… I mean no harm.. the cupcakes seem kinda dry.. and there aren’t much moistening agents in the recipe.. do you think I could substitute 1 egg for 1/4 cup yogurt? And is your cupcake liners ub 7cm × lb 5cm × h 3cm?
Curly says
Hi Kris, that’s a shame that you thought the cupcakes were dry. I’ve been making these cupcakes for years and have always received such positive comments. Instead of trying to substitute ingredients, I would try reducing the cooking time. As ovens can vary, I would recommend baking them for slightly less time. You want them to be pale and springy on top. Overcooking the cupcakes can make them a bit dry. Please let me know how you get on.
Lynn says
I’m new to baking cakes and found your recipe on the internet. It was perfect they were so moist and kept well although there weren’t many left! The next time I divided the mixture between 2 sandwich tins and made a cake for my husband. I made the buttercream and added some coconut to it. Delicious with a cup of tea .
Curly says
That’s so great to hear Lynn. I’m pleased you liked them 🙂 What a great idea!
Maish says
Hey! Just wondering do you use salted or unsalted butter for the buttercream? P.s they look fab! X
Curly says
Hi Maish. Sorry I should have mentioned that, it’s updated now. It should be unsalted butter in the buttercream 🙂
Kira says
Hello, sorry I’m not really sure what margarine is? Is it salted or unsalted butter or a special type of butter? I can’t wait to try out the recipe once I get this confusion out of the way lol.
Curly says
Hi Kira, it is like butter but made with vegetable oil. You can definitely use unsalted butter instead. Hope you like them 🙂
Katie says
We’ve just made these and they are absolutely delicious, so light and fluffy!
Curly says
So pleased you liked them Katie 🙂
Bijal says
I’m not the greatest Baker and Just made these today and they are delicious, light and fluffy Just as the recipe describes. I used salted butter as couldn’t get unsalted and it still worked great. I used a hand blender to mix all the ingredients and it really made a difference to help make the batter light. Thanks so much for this recipe
Curly says
Thank you so much Bijal. I am so pleased you liked them. It sounds like you are a good baker to me!
Amy says
Hi
Just making the frosting now. Is there no vanilla in the buttercream?
Curly says
Hi Amy,
I don’t usually add vanilla to the buttercream as the vanilla I use is brown in colour and changes the colour of the buttercream slightly. You can definitely add some if you would like. I’d recommend adding 1tsp vanilla extract.
I will update the recipe with this information.
Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Cara says
Baked these, beautifully perfect, moist and light and so easy
Curly says
So pleased you liked them 🙂
Michelle Rolfe says
I’m making these those week! I always over fill my cupcakes then complain they rise too much. So I am going to listen to you as these look perfect! Michelle x
Curly says
It’s so easy to overfill the cases with batter, but filling them a bit less and cooking at a lower temperature helps you get cupcakes with a flat top. x
Sarah says
Hi there.
Is it possible tobqke the cakes in baking cups and freeze? Any advice would be welcome.
Thank you.
Curly says
Hi Sarah, do you mean those thicker cupcake cases? As long as you wrapped them really well they should be absolutely fine for up to three months in the freezer.
Janice Pattie says
Fabulous Vanilla Cupcakes, so easy to make and they are very delicious. I love how you can make them look different with some different sprinkles. Thanks for a really excellent recipe.
Curly says
Thank you very much Janice 🙂
Janice Pattie says
I’ve just made these cupcakes for my husband’s birthday and they are absolutely perfect. The recipe instructions are so clear and simple and the results are totally scrumptious. Thank you.
Curly says
Thank you so much Janice. I hope he loves them and has a lovely birthday.
Debbie says
These are amazing, I found the recipe easy to follow and all the family loved them. Thank you very much Curly
John says
I have eaten (lots) of these and really like them. They are light and delicious.
Curly says
So pleased you like them 🙂
Emily says
Ammaaazzzing I used self rising gluten free flour and they had great texture. I will definitely be making these again. Thank you!
Curly says
So pleased you liked them! Great to hear they worked really well with gluten free flour too!
louise Gunstone says
i’m not a great baker so these are perfect, quick and delicious. thanks
Curly says
Glad you liked them 🙂
Zenab Hanif says
Would I be able to adapt this recipe and make carrot cake cupcakes or would I need to use a different recipe as many carrot cakes require oil and separation of wet and dry ingredients? X
Curly says
Hi, you would definitely need to use a different recipe for carrot cupcakes. Here is my recipe – https://www.curlyscooking.co.uk/carrot-cakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ You can also search for it using the search facilities on my blog.
Robyn says
This cupcake recipe is amazing. My favorite part of the cupcake is the vanilla flavor.
Curly says
Thank you, glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Hannah says
Hi Cat ,
May I ask you what size eggs you use for this recipe ?
Curly says
Hi Hannah, I tend to use large eggs but medium eggs will work just as well 🙂
Sarah Bosworth says
Love baking with my little girl but our cakes dont seem to rise. I tried this recipe and wow! Finally cupcakes that dont look like cookies, thank you 🙂
Curly says
That is so great to hear Sarah 🙂
Julie mcgee says
Hi I made these cupcakes they were absolutely amazing just wondered if you could tell me how much of the recipe I would need for a8inch 4 layer cake please?
Curly says
Hi Julie, so pleased you liked them. For four layers of 8″ I would double the recipe. They would be normal thickness layers, not really thick.
Ace says
Hi there I’m making this for my family who are not so keen on margerine… I was wondering if I could substitute for butter?
Great recipe btw!!
Curly says
Hi, yes you can absolutely use butter. Just make sure it is unsalted and soft.
Gemma says
Hi Curly, I have tried making these a couple of times but they seem to burst and leak out. Can’t seems to get them to cook properly. Any idea where I’m going wrong?
Curly says
Hi Gemma, oh no I’m sorry to hear that. What kind of cupcake cases are you using? Do you mean the cupcake mix bursts out the sides or overflows? And are they not baking through?
Gemma says
Not overflowing. Using standard cupcake cases. They seems to burst before cooking through properly and seem to have air pockets. I took a picture but not sure if there is any way to send. Thank you for the very speedy response Desperately want to get these right.
Curly says
That is a tricky one! Could you send me the photo on Facebook or Instagram? Or could you email me at [email protected] so I can have a look and see if I can help more. I want to help you get them right too because they’re my go-to recipe! It sounds like it could be your oven, have you had problems cooking anything else?
Ellie says
Hands down, the best cupcake recipe I have come across. These cupcakes were so delicious, light and fluffy. Thank you so much!
Curly says
Thank you so much Ellie, I’m pleased you liked them 🙂
Rachael Evans says
I have used this recipe numerous times now and they are hands down the best cupcakes ever!!! I was wondering how, if possible, to alter this to make chocolate ones instead??? Is this possible? Thank you
Curly says
That makes me so happy Rachael! Chocolate cupcakes are on my list! I have a small batch chocolate cupcakes recipe coming in a couple of weeks but I need to photograph the full batch too! This is the recipe for the cakes – https://www.curlyscooking.co.uk/mary-berrys-chocolate-cupcakes/. Did you want chocolate buttercream too?
Rachael Evans says
No thats great, can’t thank you enough, really love your recipes, thank you again!
Sophie says
These cupcakes are delicious!
I want to covert them into a cake, I’m just wondering how much mixture would I need for a 3 layer cake 6 inch pans?
Curly says
Hi Sophie, so pleased you liked them. I am pretty confident that the batter from the recipe will make enough for 3 x 6″ cakes. It is on my list to test and write up but I am pretty sure.
Paula Metcalf says
Hi.
I made the cupcakes and they were really light and fluffy and tasted delicious. The only issue I had was that they rose during baking but sank on cooling. Not sure why. Can you help please.
Curly says
Hi Paula, it is quite normal for cakes to fall slightly as they cool. Did they just become a bit more flat or did they dip?
Leanne says
Absolutely love this recipe!
Just a question… If I wanted to use this to make a 8″ cake at what temperature in the oven would I need to bake at and for how long?
Thank you!
Curly says
Hi Leanne, so pleased you like it 🙂 I would keep the oven temp the same so 160 fan and I would split the mix between two 8″ tins. I would check it after 15 mins and it may need around 20, but keep checking every few minutes. Hope this helps.
Leanne Davis says
That’s amazing! Thank you for your help! X
Shel says
LOVE this recipe, the cupcakes came out amazing! My favourite vanilla cakes I’ve made by far. If I was to make this in a 6 inch cake tin would I need to change anything?
Curly says
Hi Shel, so pleased you like the recipe 🙂 That is actually a recipe on my to-do list! You could need to split the cake batter between 3 x 6inch tins. Keep the oven at the same temperature and bake for 15 mins or until a cocktail stick comes out clean.
ange says
I’ve just made these and I must say they are absolutely lovely best recipe I’ve ever used so far made 24 buns my kids will be so pleased when they come home from school. Thank you although I used slightly salted butter for the icing tasted fine.
Curly says
Thank you so much Ange! Oh yes, some people use salted butter anyway and don’t mind the flavour. It is personal preference and lightly salted is a good option 🙂
Jack says
These are amazing omg
Curly says
Haha thank you!
Gurpreet Rooprai says
Hi,
Could I use this recipe to make two 8inch round cakes for a 4 layer cake please. What would be the measurements? Thanks
Gurpreet says
Hi how could I change this recipe to make enough for two 8 inch cake tins please for a 4 layer cake. Thank you x
Curly says
Hi Gurpreet, are you looking to make all four layers vanilla? If so I would double this recipe and split it evenly between the four tins. They would be layers approximately 1 inch thick. I would test them after 14/15 mins to see if they are baked. Hope that helps 🙂
Gurpreet says
Great thank you so much for your reply x amazing cupcakes recipe 🙂
Laila says
I must say that I’ve never baked much in my life…a few cookie recipes and the odd cake here and there, so when I followed this cupcake recipe it was so easy to follow, not to mention with easy minimal ingredients. I’m not a baker and I know I won’t be making cakes often so don’t want to hoard loads of ingredients, so this recipe was perfect. The cupcakes came out lovely and the buttercream, I’m surprised how cute and professional my cupcakes look! I will defo be using this recipe in the future, glad I came across it.
Thank you, I made some lovely cupcakes for Eid this year!
Curly says
That’s so great to hear Laila, I’m so glad you liked them. Hope you have a fantastic Eid!
Anne says
Hi Cat, I have just made a tester batch of the vanilla cupcakes as I need to make 60 for my grandsons school for ‘children in need’ Wow they are perfect, well risen and taste delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe
Curly says
So pleased you like them! Good luck with making 60!
Fernanda Wall says
Hi Curly,
Can I use butter instead margarine?
Thanks!
Curly says
Hi Fernanda, yes you can definitely use butter.
Leanne says
Hi. Can I ask what size scoop you use please? Thanks
Curly says
Hi Lianne, I use a 5cm/2″ scoop for my cupcakes.
Mehjabeen says
Hi I’m just wondering if I could mix everything altogether, I do have another vinalla cupcake recipe which I use an it don’t use creaming method, they use 2 clean bowl , one for wet ingredients butter an egg and milk an separate for dry sugar, flour etc and then stir altogether so could I do it here?
Curly says
Hi Mahjabeen, yes you could mix it altogether if you prefer 🙂
Mehjabeen says
An also I need 2 dozens so can I fill less batter to get the 24 cupcakes? Or do I double the recipe or either way works ?
Curly says
I would recommend doubling the recipe for 24 large cupcakes. If you really wanted to stretch the batter I would recommend using smaller fairy cake cakes to make small cakes.