Making Cupcakes

Everyone always asks me how to make cupcakes and I tell them, it is so simple. Cupcakes are the little slices of edible joy that will instantly brighten up your day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, learning how to make cupcakes is a delightful and fairly simple journey that promises dozens of sweet rewards.

This article will take you through how to make cupcakes the way I do. They are not only visually stunning but also light, moist, and delicious. So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a fun-filled and tasty adventure!

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Cupcake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or Self-raising flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – if using imitation use 1 1/2 teaspoons
• ½ cup whole or Full cream milk (room temperature)

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
4 cups powdered/confectioner sugar
1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Click here for some of my other frosting Ideas

Optional Toppings

Sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, or your favorite sweet decorations.

Click here for some of my other cupcake topping ideas

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and snuggling cupcake liners into their cake tin. This little prep step is our secret to ensuring they glide out effortlessly, looking as beautiful as any Boulangerie window display.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

In a bowl that’s seen more tales than we can tell, sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Imagine this sifting as a ritual, banishing lumps and welcoming fluffiness into our cupcakes.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, let’s beat together room-temperature butter and sugar, whipping them until they’re as light and airy as a cloud. This 2-3 minutes in the mixer is crucial; it’s where we start infusing our cupcakes with love and airiness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Introduce eggs one by one into the mix, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Following the eggs, a dash of pure vanilla extract, blending in until just mixed.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing

Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough cupcakes.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners/Patty Pans

Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, divide the cupcake batter equally among the lined cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows each cupcake the room to rise and prevents an overflow.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember, baking times can vary depending on your oven and the ingredients used, so keep an eye on them otherwise your cupcakes will have burnt bottoms.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin/cupcake tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Your Buttercream

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 10: Decorate Your Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Use a piping bag for neat cakes or a spatula to make unruly frosting on your cupcakes, and don’t be shy with those toppings! Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit can add that little extra touch of magic.

Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to make cupcakes that are scrumptious to the core. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to delight your taste buds and those of your lucky friends and family. When I say lucky, what I really mean is if they are lucky to be there when you are baking them, otherwise they will miss out.

So, why wait? Now you know how to make cupcakes, get baking, and indulge in the sweet world of homemade cupcakes today.