Plain Cupcakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 15 Cuisine: American

Light and fluffy plain cupcakes with a tender crumb, perfect for any occasion. They are simple to make and delicious uniced, ideal for customization or enjoyed as is.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and add the sugar gradually, stirring until well mixed.
  2. Stir in beaten eggs.
  3. Add the milk alternately with the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until smooth.
  4. Add the vanilla and mix well.
  5. Pour the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
  6. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove from oven and cool before icing or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. You can substitute milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version or use half the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweetness. Consider adding lemon zest or cocoa powder for a flavor twist. Always check the doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

These plain cupcakes are versatile and can be enjoyed as is or dressed up with your favorite icing. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert or serve alongside fresh fruit for a light, sweet treat. They also make a great base for festive toppings, making them a wonderful addition to celebrations or gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Plain Cupcakes contains roughly 176 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

176 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 33.6g 12% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 289.8mg 13% DV
Potassium 118.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 27.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 103.8mg 8% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, you can frost them or enjoy them plain. This is a great time-saver for parties or events.

What can I do if my cupcakes are dry?

If your cupcakes turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not measuring the flour accurately. Next time, try to bake them just until a toothpick comes out clean. You can also add a simple syrup or frosting to enhance moisture when serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, this may result in denser cupcakes. To counteract this, consider adding a tablespoon of yogurt or an extra egg to maintain moisture and fluffiness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →