Mini Vanilla Cupcakes

These 2 bite Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting are sweet, petite and absolutely perfect. They are a delicious, fun dessert option for all types of gatherings and celebrations.

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What is it about cute mini desserts that make them practically irresistible? Seriously?! I can’t walk past a display of little desserts without feeling like I need to try one of each.

The whole concept of making things smaller so you eat less is basically a lost cause. Those delicious little bites are just so tempting!

The first mini cupcakes recipe that I made was for these Mini Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting. They are so pretty and so tasty that I just had to develop recipes for other flavors.

These Mini Vanilla Cupcakes are pretty much perfect. This is an easy mini cupcake recipe that results in a delicious dessert that can be used for any occasion any time of the year.

Learn how to make your own mini cupcakes below!

Why This Recipe Works

• This is an easy to make homemade cupcake recipe. Homemade cakes and desserts really are the best!
• These cupcakes are moist and fluffy. The vanilla buttercream frosting is the perfect combination of sweet and creamy.
• Mini desserts of any kind are perfect at all sorts of gatherings, parties, holidays, and celebrations. This recipe is especially versatile since both the cupcake and the frosting can both be turned into any color needed. You can also add decorations like sprinkles and candy to make they fit any occasion.

How to Make Mini Cupcakes

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Ingredients needed to make mini vanilla cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour: we highly recommend using high-quality baking products like King Arthur brand for the best results.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature – this is important!)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (can use whole milk)

Ingredients needed to make vanilla buttercream frosting:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (can use whole milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (use clear vanilla extract for whiter frosting, if desired)

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Equipment needed to make this recipe:

• mini cupcake pan
• mini cupcakes liners
• stand mixer or a hand-held electric mixer and large mixing bowl (this is a thick cake batter and a thick frosting so mixing by hand will be challenging)
• silicone spatula (for scraping every last drop of batter out of the bowl)
• toothpicks
• piping bag and piping tips (if you want to make your frosting look fancier)

Prep!

Set your butter out about an hour before you begin to allow it to come to room temperature.

Note: It’s really important that the butter for the cupcakes is at room temperature. This is so that it can be whipped into the batter for the most perfectly, fluffy, best mini cupcakes ever!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a mini cupcake pan with mini paper liners.

Create!

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, add the butter and sugar and mix until blended.

Add the eggs, then the vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the heavy cream, until everything is well combined.

Tip: you can add food coloring to turn the cupcakes any color you would like for them to be. Once the cupcake batter is ready, gradually add food color or food coloring gel until the desired color is reached.

Fill each cupcake well about 1/2 to 2/3rds full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.

How Long to Bake Mini Cupcakes

You can turn almost any cupcake recipe into mini cupcakes. The biggest issue is knowing how long to bake mini cupcakes for.

I have found that baking mini cupcakes at 350°F for 12-15 minutes to be the sweet spot. However, all recipes vary so it’s best to check them frequently when modifying a recipe.

How To Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

To make the frosting, combine all of the ingredients for the frosting in the bowl of an electric mixer fitting with a whisk attachment. Mix, on low speed for a minute, then medium until everything its well combined and smooth.

I use heavy cream for the buttercream frosting to give it a richer, creamier flavor. You can substitute milk, if preferred.

Tip: you can also color the cake frosting using food color or food coloring gels. For a whiter frosting, you can use a clear vanilla extract. It’s not pure vanilla, if that is of concern.

Present!

Top the cooled cupcakes with the frosting using a piping bag and tip (I use this one), or a butter knife. Add some sprinkles or candy, if desired.

Tips & Techniques

• You can add food coloring to turn the cupcakes any color you would like for them to be. Once the cupcake batter is ready, gradually add food color or food coloring gel until the desired color is reached. You can also color the frosting.
• If you use this recipe to make standard size cupcakes, you may need to increase the bake time by a few minutes. Remember, cupcakes are done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

FAQ’s

How Do You Store Cupcakes?

You can store cupcakes without icing tightly covered at room temperature for a day or two, or with/without frosting in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Can Cupcakes Be Frozen?

You can freeze cupcakes without frosting, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for 4-6 months.

Can Buttercream Frosting Be Frozen?

Yes. You can freeze buttercream frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before using.

More Mini Dessert Recipes

Love mini desserts? Here are a few more you may want to try:

• Mini Chocolate Cream Pies Recipe
• Mini Apple Pie Bites
• Mini Blueberry Hand Pies
• No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups with Blueberry Sauce

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If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating. I would really appreciate it!