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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners
Fill Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes
Frosting: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip or a spatula.
Decorate: Optionally, decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations of your choice.
Tips and Tricks
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
Consistent Cupcakes: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners.
Variations
Filled Cupcakes: Fill the cupcakes with jam, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd for a surprise center.
Chocolate Frosting: Top with a rich chocolate buttercream instead of vanilla for a different flavor combination.
Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
With Tea or Coffee: Serve these cupcakes as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
At Parties: Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any celebratory gathering.
As a Dessert: Enjoy as a delightful dessert after a meal.
Conclusion
Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes are a timeless treat that everyone loves. With their light and airy texture and rich vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of these delicious cupcakes and enjoy the smiles they bring to your friends and family. Happy baking!
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