White Cupcakes

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These white cupcakes are super moist, light, and fluffy! They are topped with vanilla buttercream and are sure to become a new favorite. If you are looking for a foolproof, classic white cupcake recipe, look no further.

The Best White Cupcake Recipe

Some days call for a simple, classic white cupcake done right. That’s exactly what I have for you today. These white cupcakes are perfect for weddings, baby showers or a regular Saturday night. They are super moist and stay that way for days. These are a classic and a recipe you’ll want to have on hand for all kinds of occasions.

To make these delicious cupcakes, whipped egg whites are folded into a classic vanilla batter making these white cupcakes so light and fluffy that they make you think of perfect white clouds in the sky. The subtly sweet flavor of the cupcake is complimented beautifully by a creamy buttercream frosting and a smattering of sprinkles. They truly are the best you’ve ever tasted.

What is a White Cupcake?

There are three different kinds of vanilla cakes – yellow, white, and regular. Yellow cupcakes are a little richer and they derive their color from the use of mostly (or all) egg yolks in the batter. White cupcakes, on the other hand, only use egg whites in the batter, making them lighter in color and, often, texture. Finally, classic vanilla cupcakes utilize whole eggs, producing a color and taste somewhere between white and yellow cupcakes. They are all delicious. I recommend experimenting to find your favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a simple white cupcake and this recipe is the king of all white cupcakes. Here are some of my favorite things about it.

• Simple flavor. I love the subtle sweetness of these simple vanilla cupcakes. If you are in the mood for a dessert that isn’t super overpowering and is pleasing to a variety of taste preferences, these are the perfect solution.
• Great texture. Folding the egg whites in at the end makes these cupcakes so light and fluffy. They are practically cloudlike. Plus, the addition of sour cream to the batter makes the finished product wonderfully moist.
• Customizable. This simple white cupcake creates the perfect canvas for a variety of adaptations. Try swapping out the vanilla buttercream for my Fudgy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. You could even add some berries or shredded coconut to the batter or play around with fun decorations (see the section below titled “Decorating Ideas” for inspiration).

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients needed to make these white vanilla cupcakes. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card below for detailed measurements.

White Cupcakes

• All-purpose flour – I like to measure my flour with a food scale, to be sure it’s accurate. Too much flour can give you dry or dense cupcakes. Feel free to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour instead.
• Baking powder – For the perfect rise and texture.
• Salt – For flavor.
• Unsalted butter – The butter must be at room temperature otherwise it will not cream properly with the sugar.
• Sugar
• Sour cream – The sour cream adds a lovely moistness to these white cupcakes.
• Vanilla extract – For flavor.
• Milk – For moisture and a tender texture.
• Water – For additional moisture without weighing down the cupcake with additional fat.
• Egg whites – Make sure that the egg whites are at room temperature before beating. They will hold volume better.

Vanilla Buttercream

• Unsalted butter – The butter should be at room temperature. If it is too cold, you will end up with a lumpy frosting. If it is too warm, your frosting will be runny.
• Powdered sugar – For volume and a thick consistency.
• Vanilla extract – Almond extract would be a fun alternative. Just note that you only need about 1/4 of the amount you would need if you were using vanilla.
• Salt
• Heavy cream – I highly recommend using heavy cream here as opposed to something with a lower fat percentage, which can give you a thinner frosting.
• Sprinkles

How to Make White Cupcakes

Only 30 minutes to cupcake time! Here is a quick rundown of how to make these white cupcakes. Make sure to scroll to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

For the white cupcakes

• Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy and light in color.

• Add. Mix. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix to combine. Add half of the dry ingredients. Mix to combine. Add the milk and water. Mix to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients. Mix to combine.

• Beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
• Fold the egg whites gently into the batter, one half at a time.

• Bake. Fill the cupcake liners halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes.
• Cool. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the vanilla buttercream

• Make the frosting. Mix the butter until smooth. Add half of the powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cream. Mix until smooth. Add the remaining powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
• Get the texture right. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining cream (a little bit at a time) and mix until smooth until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Why Do You Whip Egg Whites For Cupcakes?

Whipping egg whites incorporates air into them. When whipped egg whites are folded into cupcake batter properly (meaning very gently, ideally with a rubber spatula), that air is carried over into the batter. The result is a wonderfully light, fluffy cupcake. So whip those egg whites well and fold them in with care.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cupcakes

Here are some simple tips and tricks that will help you achieve the best white cupcakes you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!

• Room temperature ingredients. Make sure that the butter and the eggs in the cupcake batter are at room temperature. Otherwise, the butter will not cream properly with the sugar and the eggs will not whip up properly. The butter in the buttercream should also be at room temperature unless you want an overly lumpy or runny frosting.
• Don’t skimp on the creaming time. When creaming together the butter and sugar for the cupcake batter, give the electric mixer a full 2-3 minutes to do its work. The mixture should be fluffy and light in color at the end. This will help make the cupcakes wonderfully fluffy.
• Fold in the egg whites. Folding in the egg whites at the end adds an airiness to the batter which results in a lighter, fluffier cupcake. Fold the egg whites in gently so they maintain as much air as possible.
• Cool your cupcakes. Before frosting your cupcakes, it is crucial that they cool completely. Otherwise, your frosting will melt and slide right off. What a mess! If you want to learn more, check out my post on How To Frost Cupcakes.

Decorating Ideas

I love topping these cupcakes with sprinkles and calling it a day but there are a number of other directions you could go. Here are some ideas for you.

• Fresh fruit. Slice up some fresh strawberries or arrange a few blueberries in the frosting.
• Candy. Try chopping up your favorite candy bar and sprinkling the pieces on top of the buttercream frosting.
• Shredded coconut. I love adding a little shredded coconut to the tops of these cupcakes. Feeling tropical? Add a dash of coconut extract to the batter and/or the buttercream.
• Cookie crumbles. Crumble Oreo cookies or your favorite chocolate chip cookie on top for an extra treat.
• Add color. Add a drop or two of gel icing color to the buttercream frosting for a pop of color.

How to Store Homemade White Cupcakes

If you find yourself with leftover cupcakes, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container that is tall enough to accommodate the frosting. Seal the container and store the cupcakes at room temperature for up to 24 hours, then store in fridge for 3-4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Alternatively, after sealing the cupcakes in an airtight container, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator and then come to room temperature before serving.

More Easy Cupcake Recipes

• Blueberry Coconut Cupcakes
• Lemon Cupcakes
• Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
• Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
• Fluffy Angel Food Cupcakes
• Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Watch How To Make These Cupcakes

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