Description
These Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes are the kind of easy dessert that makes any ordinary day feel a little more special. Soft, fluffy, and full of warm vanilla flavor, they are perfect when you want a small batch dessert without making a full dozen. This easy recipe is ideal for birthday treats, quick dessert ideas, party sweets, baking for two, small family gatherings, and homemade food ideas when you want something simple, beautiful, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 to 2 drops pink food coloring, optional
1 tablespoon sprinkles, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with 6 cupcake liners.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the 6 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough heavy cream or milk to make a smooth, pipeable frosting.
10. Add pink food coloring if desired, then frost the cooled cupcakes and finish with sprinkles.
Notes
Use room temperature butter, egg, and milk for a smoother batter and a softer cupcake texture.
Do not overmix once the flour is added, or the cupcakes can turn dense instead of light and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: small batch vanilla cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, easy dessert, small batch dessert, cupcake recipe, birthday cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, dessert ideas, food ideas