Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes (with Funfetti Cake Conversion)

 
I've been looking for a great vanilla cake recipe for several years. They've always been good, but they've never been great cakes.  I must say, this cake is one of those great cakes (though it is better as cupcakes... not quite sure why). It's soft, springy and has a strong vanilla flavor. It is the perfect vanilla cake and can easily be turned into a funfetti cake for a great birthday. The cupcakes at the bottom were made for my husband's League of Legends party last year (don't ask, it's a nerdy video game thing that I don't quite understand, but I indulge him anyway).
 
Next time you need a great, simple vanilla cupcake recipe, try this one out. It may seem a bit liquidy for a cupcake recipe, but it turns out wonderful.
 


 
Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Recipe (adapted from Cupcake Project)
Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, pulp removed and mixed with the sugar
  • 1 3/4 cup cake flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 milk
  • 2 Tbsp sprinkles (if making funfetti cake)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Mix sugar and vanilla bean together until no large pieces remain.
  3. Mix together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Add sugar and butter and mix until it is the texture of fine crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Add egg mixture to the flour and mix until just combine.
  6. Slowly add milk while mixing until just combined. Add sprinkles if using.
  7. Pour batter into papered cupcake pan or prepared cake pans and bake until done (about 14 minutes for cupcakes... maybe 20 for cake. Test with a cake tester to make sure it's done)
  8. Let cool completely and frost with desired topping
 
 


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