Craving a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and bursting with vanilla goodness? Look no further than these perfect vanilla bean cupcakes! Sweetened with granulated sugar and enriched with unsalted butter, these cupcakes are a moist and soft delight that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The addition of vanilla bean paste gives them that irresistible, authentic vanilla flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Creating delicious vanilla bean cupcakes and a decadent vanilla bean buttercream requires a few essential ingredients. Let’s gather everything we need for these delightful treats.
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups (375g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
Required Equipment
For making these delicious vanilla bean cupcakes, you will need to gather the following essential equipment to ensure a smooth baking process:
- Cupcake Pan: Prepare a standard cupcake pan with 12 liners and an additional pan with 3 liners.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a large mixing bowl for combining the dry and wet ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: Opt for either a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for efficient mixing.
- Measuring Tools: Gather measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate measurements of all the ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: Have a rubber spatula on hand for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- 2-Cup Measuring Glass: This glass will be handy for mixing together the water, vinegar, and sour cream smoothly.
- Cooling Rack: Prepare a cooling rack to cool the cupcakes after baking.
- Piping Bag and Tip (Optional): If you prefer a decorative frosting, have a piping bag and a decorative tip ready for the buttercream.
Having these tools and equipment ready will make the baking process efficient and ensure the perfect outcome of your vanilla bean cupcakes.
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
To begin making these delicious vanilla bean cupcakes, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature, as this is crucial for the baking process to go smoothly. This includes the self-rising flour, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla bean paste. Having everything ready will help prevent any issues during mixing and baking.
Make the Cupcake Batter
- Start by sifting the self-rising flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.
- In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla bean paste to create a flavorful liquid mixture.
- Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, taking about 3 minutes.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Be sure to mix until just combined after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to lighten the batter. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites into the batter in two additions to maintain its lightness.
Bake the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cupcakes.
- Fill your lined cupcake pans with the prepared batter, filling each liner only about 2/3 full.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for the recommended time until they turn slightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Rotate the cupcake pans halfway through the baking time for even baking.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, salt, meringue powder, and milk to the butter, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust the frosting’s consistency by adding more milk, as needed, to achieve the desired piping or spreading texture.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost them with the prepared vanilla bean buttercream using a spatula or piping bag for a delightful finishing touch.
Assembly
Assemble your delicious vanilla cupcakes by following these simple steps.
- Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, it’s time to frost them with the delicious vanilla bean buttercream.
- Using a piping bag or a spatula, generously frost each cupcake with the velvety frosting.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some vanilla bean seeds or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting.
- Enjoy these beautifully frosted vanilla bean cupcakes with your loved ones or at any special occasion.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
After baking these delectable vanilla bean cupcakes, you may find yourself with extras or wanting to prep ahead for future enjoyment. Here are some handy storage and freezing tips to ensure your cupcakes stay fresh and delicious:
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you’ve frosted the cupcakes, place them in the refrigerator. They can last for 3-5 days, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep the cupcakes away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture to maintain their freshness.
- Unfrosted Cupcakes: To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can last for up to 2-3 months.
- Frosted Cupcakes: If you’ve already frosted the cupcakes, flash freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents the frosting from getting smudged. Frozen frosted cupcakes can stay good for 1-2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Optionally, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to revive their softness.
By following these storage and freezing instructions, you can always have a supply of delightful vanilla bean cupcakes on hand, whether for a spontaneous sweet craving or planned celebrations.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
When making vanilla bean cupcakes, there are key tips to keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some handy tips to elevate your cupcake game:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
To achieve a perfectly moist and fluffy cupcake, it’s crucial to use ingredients at room temperature. This allows them to blend seamlessly, creating a smooth batter for baking.
2. Proper Mixing Technique
When mixing your cupcake batter, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes due to gluten development. Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.
3. Accurate Measurements
Ensure precise measurements of ingredients, especially when it comes to baking powder and baking soda. The right balance is essential for the cupcakes to rise correctly during baking.
4. Oven Temperature Accuracy
Calibrate your oven temperature regularly to guarantee the cupcakes bake evenly. An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for optimal baking results.
5. Cooling Time
Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Rushing this step can cause the frosting to melt and slide off the cupcakes, impacting their presentation.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect vanilla bean cupcakes that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Conclusion
Creating perfect vanilla bean cupcakes is all about attention to detail. From using room temperature ingredients to folding in whipped egg whites, each step contributes to a light and flavorful outcome. By following the baking instructions and preparing the vanilla bean buttercream frosting, you can achieve golden brown cupcakes topped with a decadent finish. Remember to equip yourself with the necessary tools and ingredients for a seamless baking experience. Assembling the cupcakes with finesse and storing them properly for future enjoyment ensures that every bite is as delightful as the first. With these key tips in mind, you’re ready to elevate your cupcake game and leave a lasting impression with your delectable vanilla bean creations.