Baking · serves 2

Vanilla Cupcakes

Small, even, and the buttercream is where you can be generous.

40 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups maida
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 150g soft butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • Buttercream: 200g butter, 3 cups icing sugar, 3 tbsp milk

Method

  1. Room temperature butter and eggs, or the batter splits.
  2. Cream butter and sugar 5 minutes until almost white.
  3. Eggs one at a time, then fold in flour and milk alternately.
  4. Fill cases two-thirds only. Fuller than that and they dome and crack instead of staying flat for frosting.
  5. 180°C for 18-20 minutes.
  6. Cool completely. Buttercream: beat butter alone 5 minutes, then icing sugar in three additions, then milk until pipeable.

Questions people ask about Vanilla Cupcakes

How long does Vanilla Cupcakes take?

About 40 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of maida in Vanilla Cupcakes?

Use plain atta for a denser, nuttier result, or a 50/50 mix if you want to keep some lift.

Can I make Vanilla Cupcakes ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Vanilla Cupcakes vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need an oven for Vanilla Cupcakes?

Yes, this one needs an oven. If you do not have one, look at the no-oven filter on the baking page: eleven of the bakes here are built for a cooker, a pan or the fridge.

What do you serve with Vanilla Cupcakes?

On its own, warm, with tea or coffee. Baking is chemistry, so scale it by weight rather than by eye: double every quantity, use a tin with roughly double the area, and expect to add ten minutes or so. Judge it by the skewer, not the clock.

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