How to Make Vanilla Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something undeniably irresistible about a classic vanilla cupcake. The simplicity of its flavor, the light and fluffy texture, and the delightful sweetness makes it a favorite dessert for many. And when you pair it with a luscious, silky-smooth Swiss meringue buttercream, you've got a match made in heaven. This timeless combination is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a special gathering with friends, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

When it...

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, or more to taste
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
  • 5 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
  • Make the cupcakes: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  • Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, followed by vanilla, beating well after each addition. Mix in flour mixture alternately with milk until smooth. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 15 to 23 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool in the tins for 5 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
  • While the cupcakes are cooling, make the buttercream: Bring a pan of water to a simmer. Combine sugar, egg whites, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Place the bowl on top of the pan and whisk until sugar dissolves.
  • Attach the bowl to the stand mixer and beat with a whisk attachment until mixture is cool and glossy and stiff peaks form. Add butter, a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until smooth.
  • Spread buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
  • Nutrition

    407 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 18g
    • Cholesterol: 103mg
    • Sodium: 144mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 68mg