Spring Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream

Name: Spring Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk; Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Essentials

I absolutely love baking, and these Spring Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream are the perfect treat to celebrate the season. With the arrival of warmer weather, I wanted to create something light and vibrant. The combination of fluffy vanilla cake and a rich buttercream frosting always makes my heart flutter. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be dressed up with fresh fruits or edible flowers, making them ideal for any spring occasion. Let’s bring a little sweetness to your day with this delightful recipe!

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:41:36.003Z

When I first baked these Spring Vanilla Cupcakes, I was amazed by how light and fluffy they turned out. The key to achieving that perfect texture is mixing the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. I ensure not to over-mix, allowing the cupcakes to rise beautifully and remain moist as they bake.

One of my favorite tips is to use high-quality vanilla extract. It really elevates the flavor, bringing a lovely warmth and authenticity. I love adding a hint of lemon zest in the buttercream as well; it complements the vanilla perfectly and adds a refreshing note that screams spring!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Fluffy, moist texture that melts in your mouth
Delicate vanilla flavor with a hint of lemon zest
Perfectly sweet buttercream that’s easy to spread

The Role of Vanilla and Lemon Zest

Vanilla extract is a crucial ingredient in these cupcakes, as it infuses a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cake. Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best results; it makes a noticeable difference in depth of flavor. The delicate notes of vanilla harmonize beautifully with the light and fluffy texture of the cupcake, creating a delightful balance that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Adding lemon zest may seem like a small detail, but it truly elevates the flavors of these cupcakes. The citrusy notes from the lemon zest provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the vanilla and buttercream, preventing the cake from feeling overly rich. Just a teaspoon of fresh zest will brighten up the overall taste, making each bite feel like a celebration of spring.

Perfecting Cupcake Texture

Achieving the perfect cupcake texture is all about balancing the creaming of the butter and sugar with the addition of dry ingredients. When creaming, make sure to beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this process introduces air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cupcake. It typically takes about 3-5 minutes at medium speed. Be cautious not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to a denser texture.

Pay attention to the baking time, as even a minute too long can lead to dry cupcakes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. It’s worth investing in an oven thermometer as home ovens can often mislead in terms of actual temperature.

Ingredients for Spring Vanilla Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Additional Toppings (Optional)

Fresh fruit or edible flowers for decoration.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the lined cupcake pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once incorporated, add the vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost them with the buttercream using a spatula or piping bag. Decorate with fresh fruit or edible flowers if desired.

Enjoy your delightful Spring Vanilla Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a small splash of almond extract to the buttercream frosting. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best consistency in your frosting.

Storing Your Cupcakes

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you're planning to make them ahead of time, it's best to freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Simply cool them completely, then wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making it easy to whip up fresh treats whenever you need them.

If you’ve made a batch of buttercream frosting and have leftovers, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply beat it again until fluffy and, if necessary, add a splash of milk to restore its creaminess. This prevents waste and allows you to enjoy these delightful cupcakes at your leisure.

Decorating Ideas

While these cupcakes are delicious on their own, adding decoration can really make them a showstopper. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or edible flowers like pansies or violets provide a vibrant and natural touch. For a more whimsical approach, you can pipe additional buttercream in various designs on top of the frosting or drizzle a simple glaze over for added sweetness and shine.

Consider creating a themed decoration to reflect spring. Try using pastel-colored sprinkles or a light sheen of edible glitter to add sparkle. These finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but can also develop an exciting new layer of flavor or texture that complements the soft vanilla base beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve them.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added fresh fruit, refrigerate them.

→ Can I substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cupcakes.

→ What if I want to add different flavors?

Feel free to experiment with extracts! Almond, lemon, or even coconut can add a lovely twist to the flavor.