I’m the cupcake girl. I love baking of any kind, but cupcakes are my baked good of choice. I love how cute and small they are, I love how many different options there are for flavor combinations, and I adore decorating. Over the years, I have perfected the art of cupcake-making. Not only am I a pro at styling them, achieving the perfect swirl of frosting every time and matching colors, sprinkles, and wrappers, but I have also found the most delicious recipes.
The Perfect Vanilla Cupcake
Ah, vanilla. Some people think it’s boring. I think it’s a classic. You really can’t go wrong—I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who didn’t like the flavor vanilla. Every time I make these cupcakes, they’re a hit. In fact, I just made a batch for my housemate’s birthday, and I am eating one as a I write this article. With the cream cheese frosting recipe listed below, they are delectable. Yum!
The Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Ingredients
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
This might be an unpopular opinion, since buttercream frosting is the universal favorite in the baking world, but I always opt for a cream cheese frosting. I just think buttercream is too sweet, and the addition of the cream cheese adds creaminess, depth, and flavor. This recipe isn’t too heavy on the cream cheese, so it’s quite neutral, unlike your typical cream cheese frosting that is traditionally only paired with carrot and red velvet cake. I would highly suggest switching over to this frosting forever.
The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Summery Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes
These are my all-time favorite cupcakes. I can’t even remember how many times I have made them. With the above vanilla recipes as a base, the raspberry flavor is light but delicious. Since raspberry season is late August, they’re perfect for summer. Also, they’re pink, and so cute! I used to make these in huge batches to bring to my choir. I was known in high school as being the cupcake baker, and let me tell you, it really makes people like you! These are certain to be a crowd-pleaser.
Summery Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes Ingredients
For the cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
(not included in the original recipe, but I like to add some raspberry flavoring for an extra berry punch)
For the frosting:
3/4 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tables fresh raspberry puree
(not included in the original recipe, but I like to add some raspberry flavoring for an extra berry punch)
Autumnal Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting
Like it or not, summer is going by fast. Really fast. We’re already making plans for returning to school, and with school comes fall. I’m not mad about it though—fall is my absolute favorite season. The leaves, the candles, the chill in the air, and yes, all the pumpkin flavored goodies. These are the most perfect fall treat, with a spice-filled cake and a maple twist on my favorite cream cheese frosting. I used to make these for my cross country team in high school. It would take me hours because there were over 60 girls on my team—but it was soooo worth it. There are pecans in the original recipe, but I usually omit them for personal preference.
Autumnal Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting Ingredients
For the cake:
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon heavy cream
If you enjoy baking, sweet treats, creativity, or all of the above, I highly suggest getting in the kitchen and making one of these delicious cupcake recipes. You can also experiment and mix and match, and the vanilla recipes are great bases to add flavorings of your choice. Happy baking!