Cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this easy cupcake base recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort. It’s perfect for beginners and can be customized with different flavors, fillings, and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients – Requires only a handful of pantry staples.
- Quick & Easy – Simple steps make it ideal for beginners.
- Versatile – Can be flavored or topped to your preference.
- Soft & Fluffy – Light texture makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Create the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Once completely cooled, enjoy as-is or decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or fruit.
Variations
- Chocolate Cupcakes – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cupcakes – Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and replace vanilla extract with lemon juice.
- Almond Flavor – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract.
- Filled Cupcakes – Core the cupcakes and fill them with jam, chocolate ganache, or custard.
Servings & Timing
- Makes: 10-12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cupcakes individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let frozen cupcakes thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the cupcakes extra fluffy?
Using room-temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing will result in light and fluffy cupcakes.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can replace melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a moist texture.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
Why did my cupcakes turn out dense?
Overmixing or using expired baking powder can cause dense cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
How do I prevent cupcakes from sticking to the liners?
Using high-quality liners and lightly greasing them will help prevent sticking.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt since self-rising flour already contains them.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit before baking.
What frosting pairs well with these cupcakes?
Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache all work beautifully.
Conclusion
This easy cupcake base recipe is a must-have for any home baker. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create delicious, fluffy cupcakes perfect for any occasion. Customize them with different flavors and toppings to make them your own. Happy baking!
O
Print
Easy Cupcake Base Recipe with Minimal Ingredients
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cupcakes 1x
Description
A simple and versatile cupcake base recipe using minimal ingredients. Perfect for beginners, these soft and fluffy cupcakes can be customized with various flavors and toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease each cup. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Create the Batter:
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. - Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Spoon batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. - Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooled, enjoy plain or decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or fruit.
Notes
- Chocolate Cupcakes: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cupcakes: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon juice.
- Almond Flavor: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract.
- Filled Cupcakes: Core and fill with jam, chocolate ganache, or custard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy cupcakes, simple cupcake recipe, homemade cupcakes, beginner-friendly cupcakes, fluffy cupcakes
