Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
image of Easy Moist Vanilla Cupcakes close up
Recipe

Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 456 reviews
  • Author: Life, Love and Sugar
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24-26 Cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Made with oil instead of butter, this Moist Vanilla Cupcake Recipe makes cupcakes with a light, tender crumb that’s super moist without being dense or heavy. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, making these an easy dessert to whip up anytime.

Ingredients

VANILLA CUPCAKES

  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) all purpose flour
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 3 tsp baking powder (NOT baking soda)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) water*

VANILLA FROSTING

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) water or milk
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1.  Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to a large mixer bowl and combine. Set aside.
  3. Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs to a medium sized bowl and combine.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until well combined.
  5. Slowly add the water to the batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined. Please note that the batter will be very thin.
  6. Fill the cupcake liners about half way and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Remove the cupcakes from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large mixer bowl until smooth.
  9. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  10. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of water or milk and mix until smooth.
  11. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  12. Add remaining water or milk, as needed, and salt and mix until smooth.
  13. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. I used Ateco tip 844.

Notes

If you’d prefer a more traditional vanilla cupcake that uses butter instead of oil, and the creaming method, try out these Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes.

*Some people report having issues with these cupcakes. If that happens to you, could try leaving out the water entirely.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 129.2 mg
  • Fat: 12.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Protein: 2.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 25.1 mg

Find it online: https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/moist-vanilla-cupcakes/