One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

Delight in these simple yet delicious One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:41:18.116Z

These One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, they are ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a sweet treat at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fluffy, moist cupcakes that are simply irresistible
  • Easy preparation with just one bowl for less mess
  • Versatile recipe that pairs well with any frosting flavor

The Perfect Cupcake for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply craving a sweet treat, these One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are the ultimate solution. Their light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults. You can easily dress them up for special occasions with vibrant frosting and decorations or keep them simple for a casual snack. No matter the setting, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

What sets these cupcakes apart is their versatility. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with a variety of frostings and toppings. From classic chocolate ganache to fruity buttercream or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar, the options are endless. This means you can customize them to suit your taste preferences or the theme of your event. With these cupcakes in your repertoire, you’ll always have a delightful dessert option on hand.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, there are a few baking tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in even baking. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light and airy texture you're aiming for.

Another important tip is to invest in a good quality cupcake tin and liners. Using sturdy liners prevents the cupcakes from sticking and maintains their shape while baking. If you’re planning to add decorations or sprinkles on top, consider frosting the cupcakes just before serving to keep them looking fresh. With these tips, your One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes will impress everyone with their taste and presentation.

Storing Your Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are baked and frosted, you may wonder how to store them to maintain their freshness. The best way to store them is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

If you want to make these cupcakes ahead of time, you can bake and cool them completely, then freeze them without frosting. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and frost as desired. This makes them a convenient option for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy. Add food coloring if desired.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the buttercream frosting.

Enjoy your delicious One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have unsalted butter? You can substitute salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. This allows you to still enjoy the rich, buttery taste without compromising the cupcake’s overall sweetness.

Can I use alternative flours for these cupcakes? Yes! You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary. Always check the packaging for the right substitutions to ensure the best results.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful dessert experience, serve your One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes with a scoop of ice cream. The combination of warm cupcakes and cold ice cream creates a delicious contrast that everyone will love. You can also pair them with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a refreshing touch.

If you’re looking to elevate your cupcakes for a festive occasion, consider adding themed decorations or sprinkles that match your event’s color scheme. Edible glitter or chocolate shavings can add an elegant touch that will impress your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of butter in the frosting?

You can use shortening or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan frosting option.

One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Delight in these simple yet delicious One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration18 minutes
Overall Time33 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Treats & Confections

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 cup milk
  6. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  7. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 2 tablespoons milk
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Food coloring (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 03

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 05

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 06

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 07

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the buttercream frosting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 2g