Yellow cupcakes are a timeless classic, bringing a warm, buttery flavor and a soft, fluffy texture to the dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this yellow cupcakes recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with a rich chocolate buttercream frosting, the combination is pure perfection!
Yellow cupcakes are a nostalgic favorite for many reasons. They’re versatile, simple to make, and always a hit with both kids and adults. What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of moist, tender cake and creamy, decadent frosting. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for any baker.
This recipe combines the right ratio of butter, sugar, and eggs to create an ultra-light, fluffy texture. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while the chocolate buttercream frosting provides a rich, indulgent finish. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion! Whether you’re baking for a party or a quiet night at home, this yellow cupcakes recipe is sure to impress.
How to make yellow cupcakes
Ingredients
- Flour: The foundation for structure, providing a fluffy yet stable texture to the cupcakes.
- Baking Powder: Essential for proper rise and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Milk: Creates a smooth batter and keeps the cupcakes moist.
- Buttercream: The crowning glory! Follow this easy chocolate buttercream recipe to make yours.
Equipment:
- Muffin Pan: Ensures evenly shaped cupcakes.
- Cupcake Liners: Makes cleanup easier and adds a decorative touch.
- Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: For seamlessly combining ingredients and achieving a smooth batter.
- Whisk: Ideal for incorporating dry ingredients.
- Piping Bag and Tip: To beautifully frost the cupcakes with buttercream.
Instructions to make the recipe for yellow cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beating after each addition, until fully combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate buttercream using this recipe and then pipe onto the cupcakes.
Tips
- Beat the butter and sugar for at least 3-4 minutes to create a light, airy base for the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can make the cupcakes dense.
- Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the batter into liners for consistent sizes.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Yellow Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
- Funfetti Yellow Cupcakes: Fold in colorful sprinkles for a festive twist.
- Chocolate-Filled Cupcakes: Add a dollop of chocolate ganache in the center before baking.
- Strawberry Frosted Cupcakes: Swap the chocolate buttercream for strawberry frosting.
What to Serve With
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 days, then frost before serving. - Can I freeze yellow cupcakes?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
Storing
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More Cupcake Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
This recipe yields about 24 cupcakes. Double the ingredients for a larger batch. Use the recipe card at the bottom to calculate the ingredients for your needs.
Ready to bake these irresistible yellow cupcakes? Grab your measuring cups and get started! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Yellow cupcakes
Equipment
- Hand or Stand Mixer
- Piping Bag and Tip
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- chocolate buttercream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- Alternate the flour mixture and milk, beating between each addition, until all the ingredients have been added.
- Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 of the way full of batter and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate buttercream by following the recipe linked in the ingredients listing. Pipe onto cupcakes.
Nutrition
Leave a Reply