Cupcake Recipe: Bakers Don’t Want You to Know It! Made-from-scratch

How to Make Cupcakes from Scratch: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for the best cupcake recipe from scratch, you’ve come to the right place!

This easy and foolproof method will give you soft, fluffy, and delicious cupcakes every time.

This from-scratch cupcake recipe is the best you'll find!

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Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Cupcakes

Now that you understand why making cupcakes from scratch is a great idea, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. For this basic vanilla cupcake recipe, you’ll need the following:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a softer texture)

Essential Ingredients for Making Cupcakes from Scratch

These ingredients form the base for a simple, delicious vanilla cupcake. However, you can adjust the flavors by swapping out vanilla for other extracts, or by adding fresh or dried fruits into the batter. For chocolate cupcakes, you can substitute part of the flour with cocoa powder.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cupcakes from Scratch

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide for making cupcakes from scratch:

1. Preheat Your Oven

   First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your oven is hot enough to bake the cupcakes evenly.

   
   

2. Prepare Your Cupcake Pan

   Grease your cupcake tin with butter or line it with paper liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking. This will make it easier to remove the cupcakes once they’re baked.

   
   

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to mix the dry ingredients before incorporating them into the batter.

   
   

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

   In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. It helps create the texture of light, airy cupcakes.

   
   

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla

   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

   
   

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

   Start adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

   
   

7. Fill the Cupcake Pan

   Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds of the way. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

   
   

8. Bake the Cupcakes

   Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to open the oven door during baking, as this could cause the cupcakes to deflate.

   
   

9. Cool the Cupcakes

   Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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Tips for Perfecting Your Cupcakes Every Time

To ensure that your cupcakes turn out perfect every time, here are some additional tips:

• Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and avoids dense cupcakes.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Stir until just combined.

• Test your oven temperature: Make sure your oven is at the right temperature, as ovens can vary.

• Cool cupcakes completely before frosting: If you frost cupcakes while they’re still warm, the frosting may melt or slide off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Cupcakes from Scratch

Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing the batter can result in dense, heavy cupcakes. The key to light, fluffy cupcakes is to mix just enough to combine the ingredients, but not too much.

Not Preheating the Oven

Forgetting to preheat the oven can lead to unevenly baked cupcakes that don’t rise properly. Always preheat your oven before placing the cupcakes inside.

Skipping the Cooling Time

If you skip the cooling step before frosting, your frosting might melt or slide off. Always let your cupcakes cool completely before decorating!

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The Benefits of Baking Cupcakes from Scratch

Baking cupcakes from scratch comes with a variety of benefits for those looking for a more authentic and flavorful experience. When you make cupcakes from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your cupcakes are made with fresh, high-quality products and no artificial additives.

Additionally, you can customize the flavors, adjust the texture, and create unique combinations without relying on pre-made mixes.

Better Flavor and Texture

Making cupcakes from scratch allows you to select the best ingredients for your taste, resulting in a fresher, more natural flavor compared to store-bought cupcakes.

The texture is also typically lighter and fluffier, and you have the freedom to tweak it according to your preferences.

No Preservatives or Artificial Additives

Store-bought cupcake mixes often contain preservatives and artificial additives to extend shelf life. By baking cupcakes from scratch, you eliminate these ingredients and get a much healthier, more delicious treat.

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How to Customize Your Cupcakes from Scratch

One of the best parts about making cupcakes from scratch is the ability to customize them. Here are some ideas for varying your basic recipe:

Creative Flavor Variations for Cupcakes from Scratch

• Chocolate Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the batter, and melt chocolate for an extra indulgent flavor.

• Lemon Cupcakes: Swap vanilla extract for lemon extract, and add lemon zest to the batter for a fresh, zesty twist.

• Red Velvet Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder and red food coloring for a classic red velvet cupcake.

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cupcakes from Scratch

1. What does "cupcake from scratch" mean?

   Making cupcakes from scratch means preparing them using fresh ingredients instead of a pre-made mix. This allows better control over flavors, texture, and overall quality.

   
   

2. How do you make cupcakes fluffy from scratch?

   To make cupcakes soft and fluffy:

   • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.

   • Cream butter and sugar well to create an airy batter.

   • Don’t overmix after adding flour to avoid dense cupcakes.

   • Measure ingredients accurately to maintain the right texture.

   
   

3. What are the essential ingredients for homemade cupcakes?

   The basic ingredients for a from-scratch cupcake recipe are:

   • Flour – Provides structure.

   • Baking powder/baking soda – Helps cupcakes rise.

   • Butter & Sugar – Adds moisture and sweetness.

   • Eggs – Helps bind ingredients and create structure.

   • Milk or cream – Adds richness.

   • Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.

   
   

4. Can I make cupcakes without eggs?

   Yes! You can substitute eggs with:

   • Applesauce (1/4 cup per egg)

   • Mashed banana (1/2 banana per egg)

   • Yogurt or buttermilk (1/4 cup per egg)

   • Vinegar + baking soda (1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tsp baking soda per egg)

   
   

5. How long should I bake cupcakes from scratch?

   Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 18-22 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they're ready!

   
   

6. Why did my homemade cupcakes turn out dry?

   Dry cupcakes can be caused by:

   • Overbaking

   • Too much flour

   • Not enough fat (butter/oil)

   • Overmixing the batter

   
   

7. How do I store homemade cupcakes to keep them fresh?

   • At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

   • In the fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

   • In the freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

   
   

8. Can I make cupcakes from scratch without butter?

   Yes! You can replace butter with:

   • Vegetable oil (for extra moisture)

   • Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)

   • Coconut oil (for a slight coconut flavor)

   
   

9. What’s the secret to moist cupcakes from scratch?

   • Use buttermilk or sour cream instead of regular milk.

   • Add a tiny bit of oil (1-2 tbsp) to keep them soft.

   • Don’t overbake—moisture evaporates quickly.

   
   

10. How do I frost cupcakes like a pro?

    • Use a piping bag with a star tip for a bakery-style look.

    • Chill the frosting before piping for a firm texture.

    • Decorate with sprinkles, fruits, or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

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