Vanilla Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes features moist vanilla bean cake topped with smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, adorned with delicate sprinkles for a classic, visually appealing treat.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cupcake/muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop (for batter)
- Piping bag
- Piping tip
- Offset spatula
- Sifter
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Vanilla Cupcake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1 cup whole milk
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Decoration:
- Colored sprinkles
Using a fresh vanilla bean along with pure vanilla extract enhances the authentic vanilla flavor in your cupcakes. Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and consistent texture. Accurate measuring of flour and baking powder is essential to achieve the proper rise and crumb structure. You can use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion batter into cupcake liners, ensuring uniform baking. Your Vanilla Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes will have moist cake and creamy frosting, closely replicating the classic treat.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Scrape vanilla bean and add seeds to the mixture. Add vanilla extract.
- With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Use ice cream scoop to divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 2/3 full).
- Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, in stand mixer, beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream; beat until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Transfer buttercream to piping bag fitted with piping tip.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes in desired design.
- Decorate immediately with colored sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Vanilla Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes copycat recipe yields a moist vanilla bean cake paired with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting topped with colorful sprinkles. If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can substitute it with an equivalent amount of vanilla extract to maintain the rich vanilla flavor. Whole milk in the batter can be replaced with buttermilk or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. When measuring flour, using a sifter ensures a light texture, and an ice cream scoop helps portion batter evenly for uniform cupcakes. Your frosting can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar for stiffness or extra cream for softness depending on your piping needs.
Tips
Ensure your all-purpose flour is properly sifted with baking powder and salt to avoid dense cupcakes. When adding eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, incorporate them one at a time to maintain a smooth batter texture. Use an ice cream scoop for consistent batter portions, filling each cupcake liner about two-thirds full for even baking. Your cupcakes must be cooled completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting or sliding off.
Nutritions
Vanilla Cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes provide a satisfying source of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, fueling your body's energy needs. The unsalted butter and whole milk contribute essential fats and calcium, supporting heart health and bone strength. Eggs add high-quality protein, vital for tissue repair and muscle growth, while vanilla adds minimal calories but rich flavor. Your treat's creamy vanilla buttercream frosting is rich in fats and sugars, so enjoy it in moderation to balance indulgence with nutrition.
Storage
Store your Vanilla Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moist texture and creamy frosting for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cupcakes tightly covered to prevent the frosting from drying out, allowing them to stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring your cupcakes to room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and softness of the vanilla buttercream and cake.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap whole milk for buttermilk to give the cupcakes a tender crumb and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness. Using almond or coconut milk offers a dairy-free alternative while adding a subtle nutty or tropical flavor to your vanilla cake. Consider folding in finely chopped white chocolate or lemon zest into the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. For a different frosting twist, try cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream to introduce a slight tang and creamy richness that pairs well with vanilla.
Allergies
Vanilla Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (unsalted butter, whole milk, heavy cream), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may cause reactions for individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients. The presence of colored sprinkles could also introduce potential allergens like food dyes or gluten, depending on their composition. You should always check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
Sprinkles Cupcakes' Vanilla Cupcake is celebrated for its perfect balance of moist, tender cake and creamy vanilla frosting, crafted from high-quality vanilla beans and fresh ingredients. You will appreciate the nostalgic flavor and the bakery's signature smooth texture that sets it apart from ordinary cupcakes. Trying to make a copycat recipe enables you to replicate the rich vanilla essence and fluffy crumb at home, offering a rewarding baking experience. Emulating Sprinkles' attention to detail ensures your homemade cupcakes capture the same delectable taste that fans rave about.