Velvet Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Cupcakes

These irresistibly soft, moist, and delightfully tangy classic vanilla bean buttermilk cupcakes are the ultimate treat for any special occasion or simply a moment of pure indulgence. We extend our sincere gratitude to Wilton for sponsoring this heartwarming recipe and providing the essential tools that helped bring these exquisite buttermilk cupcakes to life, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

When it comes to baking, a reliable vanilla cupcake recipe is an absolute cornerstone of any collection. It’s the versatile foundation upon which countless celebrations are built, and I am perpetually on the lookout for a new favorite to add to my culinary repertoire. These Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Cupcakes have effortlessly claimed a coveted spot among my top picks, and for very good reason. Each bite reveals a cloud-like softness, an undeniable moistness, and a subtle, refreshing tanginess—all thanks to the magical touch of buttermilk. They truly are perfection in a cupcake liner, consistently delivering joy for every gathering. From lively birthday parties to intimate Valentine’s Day celebrations, their simple elegance makes them incredibly easy to customize with vibrant sprinkles, charming cupcake toppers, or even a personalized message. They are more than just a dessert; they are a blank canvas for your creative expression and a symbol of shared happiness.

Embracing the Joy of Baking: A Classic Twist on Vanilla Cupcakes

My enthusiasm for sprinkles is hardly a secret; almost every cake or cupcake that emerges from my kitchen is adorned with a joyful shower of these tiny, colorful bursts. If you’ve explored my other creations, you’ll have seen it in my pink champagne cake or these decadent chocolate cupcakes. So, when Wilton extended an invitation to participate in their captivating Make Happy Happen Together campaign, I was instantly captivated. As a long-time admirer and regular user of their exceptional products, the decision to immerse myself in more sprinkles and Valentine’s-themed baking tools was an effortless one. This campaign resonated deeply with me, as it championed the beautiful idea of crafting recipes that foster connections with loved ones and create cherished, unforgettable moments in the kitchen and beyond.

Baking, for me, is inherently a family affair—a joyous activity that brings everyone together. I particularly cherish the moments spent whisking and mixing with my young nieces and my lively toddler. While my toddler’s involvement tends to peak during the mess-making and, most importantly, the sprinkle-decorating phases, any activity that promises a colorful explosion of sprinkles immediately sparks his excitement. It’s those moments, watching his little hands carefully (or enthusiastically) sprinkle, that truly make the effort worthwhile and fill our home with laughter and warmth.

The Secret to Perfection: Buttermilk, Vanilla Bean, and Reverse Creaming

For these specific vanilla bean buttermilk cupcakes, my goal was to create a project simple enough for even my toddler to engage with and help decorate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the innovative reverse-creaming method. This technique, which has quickly become my preferred way to bake cupcakes, begins by combining all the dry ingredients, then slowly incorporating cold butter, and finally adding the wet ingredients. This methodical approach ensures a remarkably fine crumb and an incredibly moist cake, reducing the risk of overmixing and resulting in a denser texture. It’s a game-changer! My toddler, for example, loves assisting with measuring out the dry ingredients or carefully placing the cupcake wrappers into the tin. For consistently perfect cupcakes every single time, I highly recommend using a high-quality pan like this Wilton cupcake tin, which ensures even baking and easy release.

The outcome of this careful process? Cupcakes that are, without exaggeration, the softest and moistest you will ever experience. They boast an incredibly rich vanilla flavor – a depth that truly comes alive when you use real vanilla bean (or a high-quality vanilla bean paste) – beautifully complemented by the subtle tang of buttermilk. This harmonious blend creates a perfect canvas, a versatile base ready to embrace any flavor profile or decoration you envision. For these special Valentine’s Day treats, I opted for a classic whipped vanilla buttercream, a choice that proved to be the quintessential addition, enhancing the cupcakes with its light, airy, and creamy texture.

When it came to decorating, I dove into Wilton’s fantastic assortment of Valentine’s Day sprinkles. You can find the specific ones I used right here. To add an extra touch of irresistible cuteness, I also incorporated these adorable mini heart icing toppers, which were simply too charming to pass up. These decorating options offer wonderfully simple yet impactful ways to personalize your cupcakes or cakes, especially when you want to involve the entire family in a delightful baking project. Imagine them gracing a Galentine’s Day celebration, adding a sweet and stylish touch to an gathering with your closest friends.

Your Go-To Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

If you’re searching for a captivating and rewarding baking project this Valentine’s Day, or indeed any time of year, look no further than these spectacular Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Cupcakes. They are incredibly easy to prepare, straightforward in their execution, undeniably delicious, and remarkably customizable. Beyond their inherent deliciousness, they offer a wonderful opportunity to slow down, engage with loved ones, and create something beautiful together. Remember, for all your baking essentials – from reliable bakeware to dazzling decorations – Wilton offers an extensive range of high-quality tools that will help you bring your sweetest visions to life. Bake these cupcakes and make happy happen in your kitchen today!

Yield: ~18 cupcakes

Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Cupcakes

These vanilla bean buttermilk cupcakes are your go-to classic vanilla cupcakes with a soft crumb, moist cake and rich vanilla flavor.

Prep Time
45 minutes

Cook Time
14 minutes

Total Time
59 minutes

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Cupcake:

1 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 whole eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract

For the Whipped Vanilla Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
Pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake tins with cupcake wrappers and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix on low-speed until well blended.
Increase speed to medium-low and add the cubes of butter, one at a time mixing each one for a few seconds before adding the next. Mix until there are no large chunks.
Add eggs, one at a time and mix well between each addition. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla bean paste and almond extract. Increase mixer speed to medium and add in the wet ingredients in 3 parts, mixing until incorporated and scraping down the bowls after each addition. DO NOT over beat otherwise, you will end up with dense cakes.
Divide batter into prepared pan, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center come out clean, 12-14 minutes. Transfer cupcakes onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
To make the frosting, whip butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, salt and heavy cream and mix on low for 1 minute until combined.
Increase speed to medium-high and whip for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Using a pastry bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip (I used Wilton 2D), frost the cupcakes with the whipped buttercream.
Decorate with sprinkles and icing decorations as desired.

Notes

Cupcake adapted from The Sweetapolita Bakebook

Making this Recipe?

Share it with us on Instagram using #aclassictwist so we can see what you are baking up in your kitchen!

Here’s a list of essential tools I used to create these delightful cupcakes:

Perfect Results Muffin Pan

Valentine Sprinkles Decorating Set

Cupcake Tip Set

Decorating Bags

Mini Heart Icing Decorations

Light Pink Polka Dot Cupcake Liners

Red Polka Dot Cupcake Liners