Easy American Cupcakes Recipe – Soft

Introduction

Craving a classic American cupcake that’s unbelievably soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Look no further! This easy American cupcake recipe guarantees fluffy, moist cupcakes every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are simple to make and perfect for any occasion – birthdays, bake sales, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

Making the Perfect Soft American Cupcakes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, leading to a uniform rise.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cupcakes.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. Using an ice cream scoop makes portioning easier and more consistent.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Extra Soft Cupcakes

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, and milk) helps the batter emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother, more consistent texture.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use measuring cups and spoons correctly for accurate results. Weighing ingredients for baking is even better!
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking dries out the cupcakes. Check for doneness around 18 minutes using a toothpick.

Frosting Suggestions

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but frosting takes them to the next level! Here are some popular choices:

• Classic Vanilla Buttercream: A timeless pairing for any cupcake.
• Chocolate Buttercream: Rich and decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and sweet, a delightful complement to the vanilla cupcake.

Conclusion

There you have it – an incredibly easy American cupcake recipe that delivers soft, fluffy, and delicious results every time. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these classic treats for any occasion. So grab your apron and get baking! Enjoy!