Go Back

Go-To Vanilla Cupcakes

These go-to vanilla cupcakes are perfect for celebrations and creating everyday moments of joy.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Course Dessert, Fika
Cuisine American
Servings 16 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup avocado, grapeseed or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup plain kefir or buttermilk

Frosting

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Put cupcake liners into 16 muffin tins.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, add eggs and beat on medium-high with an electric mixer for 20 seconds. Add sugar and beat on medium speed for another 30 seconds. Add vanilla and oil and beat on medium speed until combined.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and the kefir and mix until combined.
  • Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling until 1/2-2/3 full.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  • Let cool for a few minutes and then remove and transfer to a wire rack. Frost when completely cool.

To Make Frosting

  • To a large mixing bowl or standing mixer bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat at low speed to combine and then on medium to high speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed.
  • To make colored frosting: add a few drops of food coloring and combine. Or try using beet or wild blueberry juice for natural coloring.
    To make chocolate frosting: add 2 ounces of melted, unsweetened chocolate and beat until combined.
  • Frost cupcakes and enjoy!
Keyword cupcakes, dessert, kid-favorite