Name: Yellow Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, room temperature); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract (optional); 1 ¼ cups sour cream (room temperature); 2 ½ cups cake flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 ½ cups butter (room temperature); 4 cups powdered sugar; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 4 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of table salt

Yellow cupcakes are the perfect combination of light, fluffy, and sweet. These moist, tender cupcakes are made with simple ingredients that come together to create a classic treat everyone loves.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This yellow cupcake recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. The result? Soft, moist cupcakes that have a light crumb and just the right balance of sweetness. What sets this recipe apart is its ability to stay moist for several days without drying out, which is often a challenge with many cupcake recipes. These yellow cupcakes are tender without being overly greasy, and the flavor is perfectly balanced. Plus, they’re the ideal base for a variety of frostings – from classic buttercream to chocolate ganache or even fruit-flavored toppings.

If you want a simple yet delicious dessert that will please both kids and adults, these yellow cupcakes are your go-to recipe.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Yellow Cupcakes

Use room temperature ingredients: For the best results, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they combine smoothly, giving your cupcakes the right texture.

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt helps eliminate clumps and ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, leading to a fluffier cupcake.

Check for doneness: Test your cupcakes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done!

Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. If they’re still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.

Variations of Yellow Cupcakes

Yellow cupcakes are incredibly versatile, and you can easily add your personal twist to the recipe. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Lemon Yellow Cupcakes: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter to infuse a refreshing citrus flavor into the cupcakes.
Chocolate Chip Yellow Cupcakes: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
Confetti Yellow Cupcakes: Stir in rainbow sprinkles to the batter for a fun and colorful cupcake. These are perfect for birthdays and other celebrations.
Vegan Yellow Cupcakes: To make these cupcakes vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and milk. You can also use a non-dairy yogurt as a substitute for sour cream for added moistness.

How to Serve Yellow Cupcakes

Yellow cupcakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:

With Buttercream Frosting: The most popular way to enjoy yellow cupcakes is with a swirl of creamy buttercream frosting. You can flavor it with vanilla, chocolate, or even citrus to complement the sweetness of the cupcakes.
With Ganache: For a more decadent touch, top your cupcakes with rich chocolate ganache for a shiny, indulgent finish.
With Whipped Cream and Berries: If you want a lighter, fresher option, top your cupcakes with freshly whipped cream and a handful of berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Cupcake Pops: If you’re in the mood for something fun and bite-sized, transform your yellow cupcakes into cupcake pops by crumbling them up, mixing them with frosting, and shaping them into balls before dipping them in chocolate.

How to Store Yellow Cupcakes

Yellow cupcakes can be stored in several ways to maintain their freshness:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cupcakes within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate, you might want to refrigerate your cupcakes to keep the frosting intact. Store them in an airtight container to prevent the cupcakes from drying out. They can last for up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: To freeze the cupcakes, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. You can freeze the cupcakes for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a cupcake mix instead of homemade batter? While you can use a box mix in a pinch, homemade yellow cupcakes always have a more authentic and rich flavor. Plus, with homemade, you can control the quality of ingredients.
Can I make mini yellow cupcakes instead of regular-sized ones? Yes, you can make mini cupcakes by reducing the baking time. Mini cupcakes usually bake in 10-12 minutes, so keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking.
How can I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners? To prevent cupcakes from sticking, make sure to use quality cupcake liners and lightly grease them. You can also consider using non-stick spray or oil in the cupcake pan before placing the liners in.
Can I make these cupcakes in advance? Absolutely! Yellow cupcakes are great for making ahead. Just bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle? This could be due to several factors, such as overmixing the batter or underbaking. Make sure to mix just until combined and always check with a toothpick to ensure they’re fully baked before removing them from the oven.

Yield: 24

Yellow Cupcakes

Yellow cupcakes are the perfect combination of light, fluffy, and sweet. These moist, tender cupcakes are made with simple ingredients that come together to create a classic treat everyone loves.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 16 minutes

Total Time 36 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, room temperature)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
1 ¼ cups sour cream (room temperature)
2 ½ cups cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

1 ½ cups butter (room temperature)
4 cups powdered sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of table salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
Make the Cupcakes: In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Mix in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and sour cream, then beat on high for 1 minute.
In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Finish mixing with a spatula to ensure no lumps remain.
Fill the pans: Use a ¼ cup ice cream scoop or measuring cup to fill each cupcake liner with batter.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cupcakes bounce back when gently pressed.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream: Beat butter and powdered sugar on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt, mixing on low for 30 seconds.
Gradually add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until smooth. Whisk on medium-high for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy, with large air bubbles and a shiny finish.
Assemble: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream onto each cupcake.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 378Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 79mgSodium 227mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 1gSugar 31gProtein 3g

TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Final Thoughts

Yellow cupcakes are a timeless and versatile treat that can be made and enjoyed by anyone, regardless of baking experience. Their delicate flavor and soft, airy texture make them an excellent base for various frostings and toppings. Whether you’re looking for a simple cupcake to pair with your afternoon tea or a show-stopping dessert for a celebration, this yellow cupcake recipe will never disappoint.