Mei Espiritu Lim

There’s something special about cupcakes. They’re small, personal, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or just because you’re craving a sweet treat, cupcakes are a delightful way to indulge. Let’s dive into the essentials of making a perfect cupcake from scratch!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To get started, here are the basic ingredients you’ll need for a dozen classic vanilla cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the frosting, a simple buttercream is a classic choice:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step 2: Prep Your Equipment

Having the right tools will make your baking experience much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• A mixing bowl (or two!)
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

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

Step 3: Mix the Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then pour in the milk. Mix until just combined. Then, add the remaining flour mixture, being careful not to overmix (this helps the cupcakes stay light and fluffy).

Step 4: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds of the way full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake your cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.