One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

Delightful and easy to make, these One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Topped with rich buttercream frosting, they are a sweet treat that everyone will love.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:55:18.426Z

These One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are not only easy to prepare, but they also deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. The simplicity of the recipe means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying these delightful treats with friends and family.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

  • Simple one-bowl preparation for easy cleanup
  • Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Versatile for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are the ideal choice. Their delightful vanilla flavor and fluffy texture make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up in no time, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying your event and less time in the kitchen.

These cupcakes can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For birthdays, consider adding fun sprinkles or themed decorations. For a casual afternoon treat, a simple dusting of powdered sugar will suffice. This versatility means that you can adapt the cupcakes to fit any celebration, making them a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why One-Bowl Recipes Are a Game Changer

One-bowl recipes have taken the baking world by storm, and for good reason. They allow for quick preparation and minimal cleanup, making them ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. With just one bowl to clean, you can savor the joy of baking without the dread of a messy kitchen afterward.

This One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcake recipe exemplifies the beauty of simplicity. By combining all the ingredients in one bowl, you not only save time but also ensure that your batter is perfectly mixed. This seamless process helps to create cupcakes that are consistently moist and fluffy, giving you great results every time.

Tips for the Best Cupcakes

To ensure your cupcakes come out perfectly, consider using room temperature ingredients. This includes your eggs and butter, as they blend more easily into the batter. Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter, leading to a finer crumb and better texture in your final product.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once all ingredients are combined, mix until just smooth. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light and fluffy treat you desire. Also, don’t forget to check for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time; every oven is different, and you want to pull them out at the perfect moment.

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

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

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cupcakes

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula. Add food coloring if desired.

Enjoy your delicious One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes!

Storage and Freshness

To keep your One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful texture for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.

Frosted cupcakes can also be stored, but it's best to refrigerate them if they have buttercream frosting. This will help preserve the frosting's texture and flavor. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of these One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes is their versatility. Feel free to customize the batter by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit. This allows you to tailor the cupcakes to your personal taste or to match a theme for your event.

For a fun twist, try experimenting with different extracts in the frosting. Almond extract can add a delightful flavor variation, or you could even incorporate citrus zest for a refreshing touch. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be a unique experience!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ What other flavors can I use for the frosting?

You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique flavor.

One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Delightful and easy to make, these One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Topped with rich buttercream frosting, they are a sweet treat that everyone will love.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

Cupcake Ingredients

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 cup milk
  7. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 3 cups powdered sugar
  3. 2 tablespoons milk
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Food coloring (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 03

Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 05

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 06

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Step 07

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula. Add food coloring if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g