Cupcakes are a classic dessert that are simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have fluffy, moist cupcakes ready to impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients (for 12 cupcakes):
- Flour: 1 ½ cups (all-purpose flour)
- Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Milk: ½ cup (whole milk for best results)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Sifter: To combine dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Hand or stand mixer for creaming and mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients.
- Muffin Tin and Liners: To hold the cupcake batter.
- Spoon or Scoop: For filling the liners evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the Muffin Tin: Place cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Measure Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients for smooth preparation.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Whisk or sift the ingredients to ensure they are evenly combined.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, add:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Reduce the mixer speed to low.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk:
- Start with ⅓ of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add ½ of the milk and mix.
- Repeat, ending with the final portion of dry ingredients.
- Do not overmix; stop as soon as the batter is smooth.
Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners.
- Fill each liner about two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise.
Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Decorate the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, decorate with your favorite frosting and toppings.
- Use a piping bag for professional-looking swirls or spread frosting with a spatula.
Decoration Ideas:
- Classic Buttercream Frosting: Add sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle over the cupcakes for a rich finish.
- Fruit Toppings: Add fresh berries or fruit slices for a fresh, natural look.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade cupcakes are now ready to serve! Pair them with tea, coffee, or enjoy them as a delightful snack or dessert.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smoother mixing and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make cupcakes dense instead of fluffy.
- Preheat the Oven: A consistent temperature is key for even baking.
- Cool Completely: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.
Optional Variations
- Chocolate Cupcakes: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder.
- Lemon Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and red food coloring, and substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
Storing Cupcakes
- Unfrosted: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Frosted: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Homemade cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be customized to suit any flavor preference or occasion. With this step-by-step guide, your cupcakes will be soft, fluffy, and perfectly delicious. Happy baking!