Fluffy Vanilla Blossom Cupcakes

Name: Fluffy Vanilla Blossom Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Edible flowers for decoration (optional)

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

I’m excited to share my recipe for Fluffy Vanilla Blossom Cupcakes, a delightful treat that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. These cupcakes are light, airy, and bursting with a rich vanilla flavor, making them perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon snack. The secret to their fluffy texture lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the method of incorporating air into the batter. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to resist indulging in their soft and sweet charm.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:42:18.560Z

My journey to perfecting these Fluffy Vanilla Blossom Cupcakes has been filled with delicious experimentation. I started by testing various flour and fat combinations until I discovered that a blend of all-purpose flour and unsalted butter created the perfect base for a light and fluffy texture. The addition of vanilla bean paste amplifies that rich vanilla flavor, ensuring every bite is a sweet indulgence.

Moreover, I found that beating the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter at the end made such a difference. This method incorporates air, resulting in an exceptionally light cupcake that rises beautifully. I love garnishing them with a light buttercream frosting and edible flowers to elevate their presentation!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Delicate vanilla flavor that shines through in every bite
Soft, airy texture that makes them a joy to eat
Versatile for any occasion, from tea parties to birthday celebrations

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the fluffy texture of these cupcakes. All-purpose flour provides structure without being too dense, which is vital for that light bite. Meanwhile, the softened butter adds moisture and richness, and the granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps to aerate the batter when creamed with the butter. Be sure to use room temperature butter for optimum creaming results, as cold butter won't incorporate enough air, leading to dense cupcakes.

Eggs are just as vital; they contribute to both moisture and structure. When beaten, they create pockets of air that expand during baking, giving rise to that irresistible fluffiness. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water for each egg) to maintain the batter's consistency and moisture.

Perfecting the Baking Technique

Baking these cupcakes requires careful attention to timing and temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that the cupcakes rise evenly, so don’t skip this step! Keep an eye on the baking time; checking at the 18-minute mark with a toothpick is essential. If it comes out clean, they're ready to come out. However, overbaking even slightly can dry out the cupcakes, so find that sweet spot to maintain their soft texture.

Using the muffin method to mix the ingredients helps create a tender crumb. This means combining the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another, then mixing them just until combined. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, making your cupcakes tough rather than fluffy. If you notice lumps in the batter, don’t worry. Those small clumps will bake out, ensuring that you achieve that delicate, airy texture you're aiming for.

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
½ tsp salt

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Edible flowers for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Steps to Make Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla bean paste to the butter mixture, beating well until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare Buttercream Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream and garnish with edible flowers if desired.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding lemon zest to the batter for a fresh and zesty flavor.

Frosting Tips

The buttercream frosting is just as important as the cupcakes themselves. For a perfectly smooth and fluffy frosting, make sure your butter is at room temperature, around 68°F (20°C). This allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a creamy and spreadable texture. When adding powdered sugar, do it gradually to prevent a sugary cloud and to achieve a consistent texture without lumps.

If you're looking for a richer flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract. The tiny vanilla specks enhance the visual appeal and provide a stronger vanilla profile, complementing the cupcakes beautifully. And if you find your frosting too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Fluffy Vanilla Blossom Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. To prevent the frosting from becoming hard, add a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the container. For an impressive presentation, serve them on a tiered cake stand adorned with edible flowers, making them perfect for both casual gatherings and fancy affairs.

If you're looking to try variations, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist or incorporating lemon zest for a citrusy brightness. You could also experiment with different frostings; a cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache would transform these cupcakes into a whole new dessert experience, while still holding on to their fluffy essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.

→ How can I store the leftovers?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the frosting in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting up to a week in advance and refrigerate it, just allow it to come to room temperature before using.

→ What other flavors can I add?

You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to create variations of this recipe.