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Fluffy Buttermilk Vanilla Cupcakes (The Game-Changer Swap)
recipebee
57m
Fluffy Buttermilk Vanilla Cupcakes (The Game-Changer Swap)
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recipebee
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Fluffy Buttermilk Vanilla Cupcakes (The Game-Changer Swap)

Discover the secret to exceptionally fluffy vanilla cupcakes! This recipe incorporates a game-changing ingredient swap, replacing traditional milk with buttermilk, to achieve a tender crumb and light texture that will impress everyone. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.
#cupcakes
#baking
#fluffy
#buttermilk
#dessert
#hack
#vanilla
#sweet treat
A perfectly baked, fluffy vanilla cupcake
A perfectly baked, fluffy vanilla cupcake

Recipe Information

14m
Prep Time
18m
Cook Time
57m
Total Time
12
Servings
Medium
American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
250
Calories
3g
Protein
35g
Carbs
11g
Fat
Close-up of a cupcake showing tender, airy crumb
Close-up of a cupcake showing tender, airy crumb

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour

    1 cups
  • Granulated sugar

    1 cup
  • Baking powder

    1 teaspoons
  • Baking soda
    (Essential for reacting with buttermilk)

    ½ teaspoon
  • Salt

    ¼ teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter, softened
    (at room temperature)

    ½ cup
  • Large eggs
    (at room temperature)

    2 large
  • Vanilla extract

    2 teaspoons
  • Buttermilk
    (at room temperature, the 'game-changer' ingredient)

    ¾ cup
  • Powdered sugar
    (for frosting)

    3 cups
  • Unsalted butter, softened
    (for frosting)

    ½ cup
  • Vanilla extract
    (for frosting)

    1 teaspoon
  • Milk or cream
    (for frosting)

    2 tablespoons
Servings: 12
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
The 'secret' ingredient: a bottle of buttermilk
The 'secret' ingredient: a bottle of buttermilk

Instructions

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  • 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
    2m

    Ensure liners are snugly fitted to prevent spreading.
  • 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    3m

    Sifting dry ingredients can help ensure a lump-free batter, but whisking thoroughly is usually sufficient.
  • 3

    In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    3m

    Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming. If butter is too cold, microwave for a few seconds at a time until slightly soft but not melted.
  • 4

    Beat in the large eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Beat in the large eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    2m

    Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • 5

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix (this is the 'game-changer' step for fluffy cupcakes!).
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    4m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix (this is the 'game-changer' step for fluffy cupcakes!).
    4m

    Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until no streaks of flour remain. The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a tender, fluffy crumb.
  • 6

    Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
    2m

    Using an ice cream scoop can help ensure even portioning.
  • 7

    Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    18m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
    18m

    Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning, if your oven tends to bake unevenly.
  • 8

    Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    20m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    20m

    Cupcakes must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • 9

    While cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    While cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
    5m

    Add milk/cream sparingly to control the consistency. For a thicker frosting, use less liquid; for a thinner frosting, add more.
  • 10

    Once completely cooled, frost the cupcakes as desired, showcasing their fluffy texture.
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    Once completely cooled, frost the cupcakes as desired, showcasing their fluffy texture.
    5m

    Use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a professional look, or simply spread with a knife for a homemade charm.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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