A good vanilla cupcake is all about the butter and real vanilla, so do not skimp on either. Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy to build the air that gives a light crumb, and pull them the moment a skewer comes clean so they stay moist.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook18 min
Makes12 cupcakes
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for12cupcakes
Butter
Creamed with sugar for the air that lifts the crumb and folded into the buttercream.
Can you make Vanilla Cupcakes in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Vanilla Cupcakes? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Vanilla Cupcakes ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Vanilla Cupcakes gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Vanilla Cupcakes vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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