How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes

I learned how to make vanilla cupcakes because they are one of the oldest and most common flavorings in today’s baking. It has known existence in Mexico and Central America at least as far back as the fourteen hundreds. Because of its delicious flavor, people that tasted it tried to grow it in areas outside of these regions. Due to the vanilla plants necessary natural pollinator, the local melipona bee, attempts to grow it did not work. Today, they have found ways to grow vanilla in a couple other regions like Madagascar which has become the largest producer in the world.

how to make vanilla cupcakesHow to Make Vanilla Mini Bundt Cupcake Served with Strawberries and Cream

When making recipes with vanilla you will find that the type of vanilla flavoring that you use does make a difference. When I was young, I use to think “vanilla is vanilla”; not so today. There has been a lot of talk about the flavor of Madagascar vanilla and it is good. I have tasted vanilla from both Mexico and Madagascar but you have to also consider the maker of the product.

When I was showing someone how to make vanilla cupcakes, I picked up a different bottle of vanilla at a local little store. I was astounded at the wonderful flavor. This is called “Danncy” and is made in Mexico. It has the most delicious flavor and the aroma is like none other than I have used.  I used to use a lot of vanilla beans in my custard and pudding recipes that I cooked but now I just use this. I found it to be better in everything. It is available in dark vanilla or clear. When I am showing people how to make vanilla cupcakes or white frosting I found this clear is much better to use.

If this brand is not available to you for when you are learning how to make vanilla cupcakes, I am sure there are other brands that are also very good. I am only saying this to get you to try different ones; the flavor is different and your cupcakes will taste different. Look for very small bottles so you don’t waste your money. Some specialty shops might also let you smell and taste one before you purchase it.

These cupcakes are delicious with any flavor icing on them. They make great birthday cupcakes with the butter cream frosting recipe and decorate them for the special occasion. You can also use this same batter for a vanilla cake recipe; try it with the banana frosting recipe listed below. This recipe is so versatile so use your imagination.

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA CUPCAKES

  • 1/3 Cup soft butter
  • 2/3 Cup sugar
  • ½ Teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/3 Cup low fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/3 Cup low fat milk
  • 1 1/3 Cups flour

Preheat oven to 350F degrees

Line 12 regular size muffin cups with paper or foil liners.

Cream together the butter and sugar; add the baking soda and baking powder add beat thoroughly. Beat in the egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Combine and mix the yogurt with the milk. Add yogurt mixture alternately with the flour to the butter mixture with mixer on low speed until well blended.

Spoon batter into lined cups and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are light brown and a pick comes out clean. Remove; Cool and frost.


BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE

  • 1 Box sifted
  • ½ Cup soft butter
  • 1 Box powdered sugar (16 ounces)
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 Teaspoons vanilla

Beat all ingredients in a mixing bowl on medium speed until blended. Increase speed until frosting is light and fluffy.

For variation omit the milk and vanilla and add 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel and ¼ cup lemon juice.

BANANA FROSTING RECIPE

  • 1/3 Cup soft butter
  • 2 Cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 3 Level tablespoons mashed ripe banana

Combine ingredients and mix until smooth. Spread on cake.

VANILLA MINI CHEESECAKE RECIPE

  • 1 Box vanilla wafers
  • 2 Packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese
  • ¾ Cup sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Mix cream cheese and sugar until creamy; blend in vanilla and eggs.
Put 1 vanilla wafer on bottom of each cupcake liner; add 3 to 4 tablespoons of cheese mixture on top.
Bake in preheated oven at 375F degrees for about 20 minutes or until set.
NOTE: If desired only use 2 to 3 tablespoons of cheese mixture and after baking top with a spoon of pie filling.

WHITE VANILLA CUPCAKES RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 2/3 Cup softened butter
  • 1 Cup milk
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 Cups sifted flour
  • 2 Teaspoons baking powder
  • 6 Egg whites beaten until frothy

Combine butter and sugar and beat until fluffy.
Add milk, vanilla, half of sifted flour and beaten egg whites; then beat in remaining sifted flour.
Measure ¼ cup batter into each paper lined cupcake tin.
Bake in preheated oven at 350F degrees for about 12 minutes or until pick comes out clean.

MOIST VANILLA CUPCAKES RECIPE

moist vanilla cupcake recipeMoist Vanilla Mini Bundt Cupcakes
moist vanilla cupcakesHow to Make Vanilla Cupcakes Baked in Cupcake Tins

When you learn how to make vanilla cupcakes you will find you can use different kinds of vanilla cake recipes. These are made with a delicious pound cake recipe; makes a delicious dessert served with fresh berries.

  • 1 Cup softened butter
  • 3 Cups sugar
  • 6 Eggs
  • 3 Cups sifted cake flour
  • 1 Cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
fresh from the oven moist vanilla cupcakesMoist Vanilla Mini Bundt Cupcakes Fresh from the Oven

Cream butter and sugar in mixing bowl until fluffy.
Add eggs, flour, and whipping cream; mix well.
Stir in vanilla; spoon ¼ cup batter into paper line cupcake tins or mini bundt tins.
Bake in preheated oven at 325F degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes or until pick comes out clean.
Frost with favorite icing, dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh fruit.

moist vanilla cupcake served with strawberries and creamMoist Vanilla Mini Bundts Served with Strawberries and Cream