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If you’ve ever wanted to bake a treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those sweet cravings, then this Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes strike the perfect balance between soft, airy texture and gentle vanilla sweetness, making them a timeless favorite for any occasion. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity combined with reliable results—no complicated steps, no fancy gadgets, just pure cupcake joy that anyone can create in their own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A sequence of nine images shows the process of mixing ingredients in a large white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The first image has three raw egg yolks and whites in the bowl. The second image adds a pile of white granulated sugar on top of the eggs. The third image shows a woman's hand holding a small yellow packet of cashew nuts over the bowl. The fourth image shows a white electric mixer starting to blend the eggs and sugar. The fifth image reveals a woman's hand holding a blue and white patterned small bowl with liquid above the white bowl. The sixth image shows the mixer blending a light, frothy yellow batter. The seventh image has a woman's hand holding a small yellow packet of baking powder near the bowl. The eighth image shows a woman's hand pouring white flour from the blue bowl into the white large bowl. The ninth image has a woman's hand pouring a white liquid from the blue bowl into the large bowl, where the batter’s color is pale yellow. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most delightful flavors and textures. Each component in this recipe plays its own important role, whether it’s lending moisture, structure, or that golden color we all love.

3 eggs: These provide structure and help create that tender crumb texture you crave in cupcakes.
140 g granulated sugar: Sweetness and moisture retention, ensuring your cupcakes stay soft and delicious.
8 g vanilla sugar: Adds a subtle, rich vanilla aroma that elevates the flavor beautifully.
0.2 g salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors without making it salty.
140 ml sunflower oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and lends a lightness you won’t want to miss.
200 g flour: The backbone of your cupcakes, providing structure and body.
10 g baking powder: The magic ingredient that ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and become fluffy.
75 ml milk: Adds tenderness and smoothness to the batter for that perfect bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Whisking the Wet Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt for a good 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to that wonderfully light texture in the final cupcakes. The sugar also starts to dissolve here, creating a smooth base.

Step 2: Combining the Batter

Next, gently add the sunflower oil, flour, baking powder, and milk into the whipped egg mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined but be careful not to overmix, as that can toughen the batter. The flour and baking powder come together here to give those cupcakes their structure and fluffiness.

Step 3: Preparing to Bake

Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners; this not only makes removing cupcakes easier but adds charm to their presentation. Fill each liner with about 28 to 30 grams of batter, or roughly two-thirds full – a perfect amount so they rise to a beautiful dome without spilling over.

Step 4: Baking

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven set at 175 °C (347 °F) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the tops spring back with a gentle touch.

How to Serve Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows a silver baking tray filled with 16 golden yellow cupcakes in white paper liners. The cupcakes have a smooth, slightly domed top with a soft texture, arranged in four uneven rows, some overlapping each other. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, providing a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cupcakes are magnificently versatile when it comes to toppings. You can keep it classic and simple with a swirl of vanilla buttercream, or go vibrant with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Even a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of colored sprinkles elevates their charm for parties or casual get-togethers.

Side Dishes

Looking to pair your cupcakes with something delightful? Fresh fruit salads, creamy yogurts, or even a warm cup of tea or coffee complement the light texture and subtle vanilla flavor beautifully, making your snack or dessert time complete and utterly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn these humble cupcakes into a showstopper. Try arranging them in a tiered stand for celebrations, wrapping each in decorative paper liners, or topping them with edible flowers. You can even make mini cupcake bouquets by skewering them—perfect for gift-giving or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have cupcakes left after your celebration or baking spree, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay moist and fresh for up to 2 days. Keeping them in a cool, dry place ensures their fluffiness remains intact.

Freezing

Want to keep these treats ready for later? You can freeze plain cupcakes without frosting. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before adding any frosting or toppings.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, warm your cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This little trick revives their softness and makes them taste as though you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute sunflower oil with another type of oil?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that strong-flavored oils might subtly change the taste of your cupcakes.

Is it necessary to use vanilla sugar specifically?

If vanilla sugar isn’t available, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Both add lovely vanilla notes, but vanilla sugar also contributes a touch of extra sweetness.

Can I make smaller or larger cupcakes using this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the batter amount per muffin liner to make mini or jumbo cupcakes. Just remember to adjust baking time accordingly—mini cupcakes will bake faster, while jumbo ones will need more time.

Why do my cupcakes sometimes come out dense instead of fluffy?

Common causes include overmixing the batter or not whisking the eggs and sugar long enough. It’s important to mix just until combined and to aerate the eggs well to trap air for a fluffy result.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit to this recipe?

Definitely! Once you’re comfortable with the Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe, adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries can elevate your cupcakes. Just fold these extras gently into the batter before filling the liners.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about mastering a Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe—it becomes your secret weapon for celebrations, cozy afternoons, and spontaneous baking adventures. Each bite carries the joy of homebaking and the promise of endless customization. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become your go-to favorite, bringing sunny smiles and sweet memories every time.

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Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

A simple and reliable basic cupcake recipe that yields light and fluffy cupcakes. Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires just a few common ingredients and minimal equipment. Once mastered, this batter can be easily customized with additional flavors, mix-ins, or fillings, making it a versatile base for any occasion.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Whisk Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy.
Add Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour in the sunflower oil, then add the flour, baking powder, and milk. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Using a spoon or scoop, fill each liner with approximately 28 to 30 grams of batter, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 175 °C (347 °F). Place the muffin tin in the center of the oven and bake the cupcakes for 20 to 30 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Notes

Make sure not to overfill the cupcake liners to avoid spillage during baking.
Check doneness early at 20 minutes as oven temperatures may vary.
Once cooled, cupcakes can be customized with frostings, fillings, or toppings of your choice.
Use fresh baking powder to ensure cupcakes rise properly.
Room temperature eggs and milk help create a smoother batter.

Basic Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need