Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
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A moist and tender basic vanilla cupcake made extra flavorful with vanilla bean infused cream. Topped off with vanilla bean buttercream, these cupcakes are vanilla heaven!
This is the Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
It does not get more classic than a vanilla bean cupcake.
Pure, unadulterated vanilla flavor, with a creamy vanilla bean buttercream to match… It’s just heavenly, and you’re going to love every little crumb of these cupcakes!
This recipe comes to you (originally in 2015!) from a day I completely immersed myself in writing my cookbook.
On Good Friday, I had the day off of work, but I was up at 4:30am making all kinds of puppy chows, preparing to photograph all of them in the later afternoon sunshine.
At 8am, Matt emerged from the bedroom and couldn’t believe his eyes (or his nose) when I had the kitchen completely torn apart, cereal and powdered sugar everywhere, chocolate on every pan and spatula I own…
It was a mess.
He convinced me to take a break and go to the gym with him.
I’m so glad I did, because it gave me some time to devise a plan of attack for my photoshoots and also figure out how I was going to clean up my puppy chow-ed kitchen and whip up some cupcakes for a birthday celebration later that night.
My BIL’s girlfriend (now wife!) turned 21 on that Good Friday, and she invited us out to dinner with her family, so I offered to make some cupcakes. When I asked her what flavor she would like, she requested vanilla bean.
Her exact words: “I’m so vanilla for loving vanilla.” No, no, you are not. Not one bit!
Since that original publish in 2015, these cupcakes have graced many a kitchen, with mostly positive reviews.
The negative ones, however, truly warranted revisiting this beloved vanilla cupcake recipe, just as my beloved funfetti cupcakes did a few months ago.
The amazing thing about having been blogging for over six years is that I have grown immensely as a baker.
I know better now what works best for specific flavors and textures, and revisiting lots of tried-and-true recipes that I’ve published and then baked again for my own enjoyment is something on my never-ending “to do” list.
The original vanilla bean cupcake recipe from many years ago still stands true, but with updated and more specific instructions, and of course, a little glow-up with fresh photos.
Not only that, but since 2015, vanilla crops have taken a giant hit due to tropical storms and other natural disasters.
Vanilla beans can sometimes be hard to come by, and super expensive if you find them, so I’ve updated the recipe to include the use of vanilla paste as an alternative.
Vanilla Cupcake Ingredients
For the vanilla cupcakes, you will need:
• whole milk or cream
• vanilla bean or vanilla paste
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• butter
• granulated sugar
• egg
• full fat yogurt or sour cream
• vanilla extract
For the vanilla bean buttercream, you will need:
• butter
• powdered sugar
• milk or cream
• whole vanilla bean or vanilla paste or vanilla extract
• salt
Moist Vanilla Cupcake Recipe Variations
You can change up these vanilla cupcakes by adding any kind of buttercream you wish. In fact, I have a whole cookbook dedicated to buttercream and you can find any of my frosting recipes scattered around my site.
USE VANILLA BEANS OR VANILLA PASTE
Whether you use vanilla beans or vanilla paste, you’re guaranteed to have the best vanilla bean cupcake recipe I can offer you, because believe me, this recipe has been baked and tweaked and baked again many times over its existence.
There is something so amazing about straight up vanilla. You can only get so much vanilla flavor from extract (even homemade), and using fresh vanilla beans (or vanilla paste) is so worth the effort to get those beans out of the pod.
If you go the pod route, you’ll need two beans for each batch of this recipe: one for the cupcakes and one for the frosting.
If you’re using paste: one teaspoon in each the cupcake batter and the vanilla bean frosting give the same rich vanilla flavor and the iconic black specs of the seeds.
You can buy vanilla beans and vanilla paste at most grocery stores (in the baking aisle with the spices). If you think you’ll use a lot of beans, the best bang for your buck is in bulk!
How to make Vanilla Cupcakes from Scratch
These cupcakes are essentially the same batter as my mini cookies & cream cupcakes, just with a few tweaks.
STEP #1
Start by pouring the cream into a small saucepan.
STEP #2
If you are using a vanilla bean: using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean in half, scrape out the seeds, and put everything into the saucepan with your cream. If you are using vanilla paste: simply pour into the cream and stir to combine.
STEP #3
Heat the cream over low heat until it just starts to steam. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes.
STEP #4
After the 30 minutes, remove the pods with a fork or tongs. Cream is now ready to use. If you used vanilla paste, it is ready to use after the 30 minutes.
MAKE THE VANILLA CUPCAKE BATTER
STEP #5
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set this aside.
STEP #6
Next, beat together the melted butter, sugar, egg, yogurt, infused cream, and vanilla extract on medium to high speed until completely smooth.
STEP #7
Reduce the mixer speed to low, then slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.
STEP #8
Then, fold gently by hand with a large spatula and press out any large lumps of flour that remain by scraping them against the side of the bowl. Small lumps are ok, but try to get out all of the larger lumps by gently pressing the batter up on the sides of the bowl.
STEP #9
Lastly, fill the cupcake liners ⅔ to ¾ of the way full with batter and bake for 15-17 minutes. Allow to cool completely before moving on to adding the vanilla bean buttercream.
MAKE THE VANILLA BEAN BUTTERCREAM
You’ll need one more vanilla bean or teaspoon of vanilla paste for your buttercream, which is the same vanilla buttercream I use in this chocolate cake and in these cookies & cream cupcakes, just with more straight up vanilla.
STEP #10
First, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
STEP #11
Reduce the mixer to low, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla (either the seeds scraped from the pod, paste, or extract), and milk or cream, then increase mixer speed to medium and beat until completely smooth, about 3 minutes.
STEP #12
If the frosting is too stiff, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Lastly, addd salt to taste.
You are now ready to decorate your cupcakes.
Use a piping bag without a tip, fitted with a 1M tip, or simply a large zip top bag with the end snipped off to make a very vanilla buttercream swirl right on top of your decadent cupcake.
How to store Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Cupcakes will stay fresh covered at room temperature up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Cupcakes are best on day 1 and 2, at which point they will start to lose their moisture.
Moist Vanilla Cupcakes FAQs
You’re going to love these moist and tender cupcakes that are absolutely jam-packed with vanilla flavor.
The creamy vanilla bean buttercream cloud that sits on top is the perfect counterpart, and I’m sure you’re going to agree… There’s nothing “vanilla” about these vanilla bean cupcakes!
Moist Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
CUPCAKES
- ¾ cup (180mL) whole1 milk or cream
- 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 1 and ⅔ cups (200g) all-purpose flour be sure to measure properly
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter melted and allowed to cool
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature2
- ¼ cup (61g) full fat1 yogurt or sour cream room temperature2
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FROSTING
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 4 to 5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar
- ¼ to ⅓ cup (60-80mL) milk or cream
- 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
CUPCAKES
- Pour the cream into a small saucepan. If using a vanilla bean: using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean in half, scrape out the seeds, and put everything into the saucepan with your cream. If using vanilla paste, simply pour into the cream and stir to combine.¾ cup (180mL) whole1 milk or cream, 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- Heat the cream over low heat until it just starts to steam. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes, remove the pods with a fork or tongs. Cream is now ready to use. If you used vanilla paste, it is ready to use after the 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line the wells of a 12-count cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.1 and ⅔ cups (200g) all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl with a handheld mixer3 or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the melted butter, sugar, egg, yogurt, infused cream, and vanilla extract on medium to high speed until completely smooth.½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, ¼ cup (61g) full fat1 yogurt or sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, then slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Then, fold gently by hand with a large spatula and press out any large lumps of flour that remain by scraping them against the side of the bowl. Small lumps are ok.
- Fill the cupcake liners ⅔ to ¾ of the way full with batter. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
FROSTING
- In a large bowl with a handheld mixer, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- With the mixer on low, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla (either the seeds scraped from the pod, paste, or extract), and milk or cream. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. If frosting is too stiff, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Add salt to taste.4 to 5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, ¼ to ⅓ cup (60-80mL) milk or cream, 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt
- For more buttercream troubleshooting tips, see my book, The Home Baker's Guide to Basic Buttercream.
- Frost the cupcakes using a piping bag or a large zip top bag with the corner snipped off. Cupcakes will stay fresh covered at room temperature up to 3 days. Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Cupcakes freeze well, frosted or unfrosted, up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Full fat dairy: it is imperative to use full fat dairy in this recipe for moisture, since we’re using melted butter, therefore removing some natural moisture.
- Room temperature ingredients: these are always a good idea when using room temperature butter as it makes for easier incorporation into the batter. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, place eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Mixer: I’ve had repeated success making these cupcakes in a bowl without a mixer, which is my preferred method for this cupcake batter.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
I just made these and like Regina above, the batter was thicker than usual, took exactly 20 minutes and the cupcakes came out muffin like. Still they’re pretty good!
I accidentally used non fat vanilla Greek yogurt instead of full fat, so suspect it was either that or the use heavy whipping cream. I’m hoping to make a double batch of these for a baby shower, so I’ll try making another practice batch tomorrow with whole milk and full fat yogurt. Would making the infused milk ahead of time affect the cupcakes at all? Hoping to save some time.
Definitely use the full fat dairies and let me know how they turn out! I just revamped this recipe in August, and it is definitely best with full fat.
Absolutely delicious. I used skim milk instead of whole/cream just because that’s what I had on hand and no issues. Used whole vanilla pods instead of paste (I find the paste always has a weird plastic-y fake smell) and the flavour was fantastic (well worth the $8 for the pods haha). I did mess up the frosting a little, I added too much milk so it started to separate and isn’t QUITE as aesthetically pleasing but couldn’t taste the difference, still tastes amazing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed these, Alyssa! Thank you for the feedback.
So I love this recipe. I use it as a base for a lot of my cupcakes. How much cocoa powder would I have to add to make it a chocolate cupcake?
Hey, Felicia– I would not recommend turning this into a chocolate cupcake. It’s best to start with a cupcake recipe that is written to be chocolate. There’s just too many variables to modify this recipe. Here is my recommendation for super moist and delicious chocolate cupcakes.
I made these for my sister in law’s baby shower, everyone absolutely LOVED them!! Thank you!
Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m glad you and everyone else liked them!
These turned out great! What a difference using vanilla paste versus extract – it was my first time and I’ll never go back! They were beautiful and delicious.
Due to dietary issues, I often can’t taste cupcakes and cakes before serving. But I still love to bake! Fresh April Flours has become my go-to for Lynn’s consistent, foolproof recipes and clear directions. If I found it on her blog, I know my family will love it.
Thank you so much, Joanna! I appreciate you 🙂 thanks for trusting my recipes!
These are by far the best tasting vanilla cupcakes I’ve ever tasted! Mmm-mmmm!
Thank you SO much, Patti!!
I made these using actual vanilla beans (scraped and seeded). Added some edible glitter and gingerbread men for our family Christmas dinner. They were a hit!
I love that, Michelle!
Hi there! I’ve made these before and absolutely love them. I don’t remember what to do with the vanilla bean for the icing though. do you put it in the milk and steam like for the cupcakes? So I read over your instructions multiple times wondering if I missed something lol. Hope to hear back from you soon. I’d like to make them this weekend!
Hey, Lyndsay! Step 2 of the instructions for the frosting– it just said “vanilla,” but I updated it to be clearer about exactly what’s happening. Let me know if that helps!
I have a question on the icing – is it thick enough to pipe? The consistency looks a little thinner than most buttercreams. I’m sure it’s delicious, but wanting to pipe it somewhat tall for decorative purposes. Thanks!
Hi, Allyson– it is. And if you’re ever in doubt, you can add more powdered sugar or go slower on adding the liquid and make it to the consistency you desire!
Thank you for the tip!
I was wondering if I could bake this recipe as a cake instead of cupcakes.
Yep! You can find the recipe for this as a cake in my 6″ vanilla bean cake post. If you want an 8″ cake, double THIS cupcake recipe.
Loved this recipe! It was so easy to follow and everyone loved how the cupcakes turned out! I decided to brown the butter because I love adding browned butter to a recipe and it was such a good combination with the vanilla bean!
I posted to my instagram Sydiessweets how I decorated them for my nephews bear themed party : )
Thanks so much!! 🙂
if I made the cupcake part 2 days in advance and the frosting the day before would they be fine left out at room temperature?! Or would I need to refrigerate them? Would that make them dried out or stale?
I don’t love making cupcakes that far in advance, but if you were able to make the frosting 2 days ahead and bake the day before, that would be more ideal. Room temperature is fine!
How long would you bake for mini cupcakes?
Hi, Maureen– about 8-12 minutes. Start with 8 and test from there!
Thank you so much!
Currently making the cupcakes right now and I’m a little confused of the measurement’s. Both the flour and sugar are 200g but in cups there is more flour than the sugar? Should I have both the flour and sugar be 200g or modify it to fit the cups version.
Hi, Avery– a cup of flour is 120g, and a cup of sugar is 200g, so 1 cup of each will weigh something different. Whether you use a cup measure (PROPERLY) or weigh the ingredients, you’ll have the same amount. Hope that makes sense.
Hi. Cant wait to try this recipe! But have a question you mention eather to use milk or cream, what kinds of cream ia it?
Heavy whipping cream or Nestlé table cream. Hopefully you can assist me with this 🙂
Hey, Nancy– cream would be any kind of cream– heavy whipping preferred.
Can I freeze these? I wanted to make them for Easter but need to do the week of.
We did test run and LOVE THEM!
Hi, Heather! Thanks so much 🙂 yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Thaw at room temperature then add the frosting. Enjoy!
The cupcake was so good, moist, perfect texture. Would make them again. However, the icing was way too sweet. Unedible
Thanks so much, Erica! With regard to the frosting, in the instructions, I always mention to add salt to taste. Salt is the best way to cut the sweetness of frosting, and the ratio of butter to powdered sugar to liquid is written so as to create the perfect texture. You can always add more salt, which will 100% of the time make a frosting less sweet.
So delicious and so worth the effort to make cupcakes from scratch. I used this recipe for a birthday party and the guests all loved them! I used vanilla paste and the instructions were super clear for the whole process. The flavor was light and didn’t have that chemical taste that box cakes can sometimes have.
Thanks so much, Georgie! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe as much as we do for birthdays 🙂 (I just made a batch today for J’s party tomorrow!)
Taste great, even without icing; so sweet and moist! Used vanilla paste and I am IN LOVE ♥️♥️
So good, isn’t it? I’m so glad you liked them, Leigh 🙂
My cupcakes turned out very dense. Any suggestions?
Hi, Liz– first of all, did you weigh the flour? It’s imperative to be sure you’re using exactly the right amount of flour, otherwise these cupcakes are quite sensitive to too much flour. Overmixing the batter can also make cupcakes turn out dense.