Baking & Pastry > Baking Equipment & Tools > Essential Baking Tools > Measuring Cups and Spoons

Vanilla Cupcakes with Precise Measurements

Achieve baking perfection with these vanilla cupcakes! Using precise measurements is key to creating light, fluffy, and evenly baked cupcakes. This recipe emphasizes the importance of accurate measuring for consistent results.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
18-20 minutes
Servings
12 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Accurate temperature ensures even baking. Using liners prevents sticking and makes removal easy.

Measure Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use dry measuring cups and spoons. Level off each measurement with a straight edge (like the back of a knife) for accuracy. Avoid packing the flour into the cup.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer is recommended for this step. Proper creaming incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cupcake.

Add Eggs

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. This ensures a smooth and homogenous batter.

Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Using wet and dry measuring cups is vital.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. Use a cookie scoop or measuring cup for consistent filling. Overfilling can cause the cupcakes to overflow and flatten.

Bake

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 18 minutes. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes.

Cool and Decorate

Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost as desired. Cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting. Precise measurements in the batter have ensured uniform cupcakes ready for frosting.

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FAQ

  • Why is accurate measuring so important in baking?

    Accurate measuring is crucial in baking because it directly impacts the chemical reactions that create the desired texture and flavor. Too much or too little of an ingredient can throw off the balance, leading to a cake that is too dry, too dense, or doesn't rise properly.
  • What's the best way to measure flour?

    The best way to measure flour is using the 'spoon and level' method. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup until it's overflowing. Then, use a straight edge (like the back of a knife) to level off the excess. This avoids packing the flour, which can result in using too much.
  • Can I substitute different types of flour in this recipe?

    While you can experiment with different flours, using all-purpose flour provides the best results for this recipe. If you substitute, be aware that you may need to adjust the liquid content to achieve the right batter consistency. Accurate measurements become even more critical when making substitutions.