If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully moist and fluffy classic dessert, look no further than this irresistible Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil. These cupcakes are everything you want in a homemade treat: tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and a perfect golden top every time. Unlike butter-based recipes, using oil makes these cupcakes incredibly soft and light—with the added bonus of being almost foolproof. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a birthday, a school celebration, or just a weeknight sweet fix, this Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil delivers crowd-pleasing results and earns its place as a must-have in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the beauty of this Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its impact on flavor, texture, or color, ensuring your cupcakes turn out perfect every single time. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and body to the cupcakes, resulting in a tender crumb that isn’t overly dense.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps achieve a light, golden exterior.
- Baking powder: The secret to creating lift and a beautiful dome on your cupcakes.
- Salt: Brightens and enhances all the sweet vanilla notes.
- Vegetable oil: Delivers that signature moistness and keeps cupcakes soft even after a day or two.
- Eggs: Contribute both structure and richness for a satisfying bite.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the cake fluffy.
- Pure vanilla extract: The star of the show—infuses every bite with deep, aromatic vanilla flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Before you start on the batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and a neat presentation—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step guarantees that the leavening is evenly distributed, helping those cupcakes rise beautifully and ensuring every bite is well balanced.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until it becomes smooth and a little pale. Stir in the milk and pure vanilla extract. This mixture promises super moist cupcakes with rich vanilla depth all the way through.
Step 4: Combine and Mix Gently
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay—overmixing can cause tough cupcakes. Your goal is a thick, smooth batter that’s just combined.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should spring back when lightly touched—pure cupcake perfection!
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Wait until they’re completely cool before frosting with your favorite buttercream or whipped cream topping. The Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil is the ideal canvas for all kinds of delightful decorations.
How to Serve Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil
Garnishes
A beautiful swirl of vanilla or chocolate frosting is classic, but don’t stop there! Top with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or a single fresh berry for a stunning look. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar does wonders for these already delectable treats.
Side Dishes
Pair your Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil with a cool glass of milk, a cup of strong coffee, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re planning a dessert spread, set them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or a citrus sorbet for a lovely contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cupcakes into a showstopper by arranging them on a tiered cake stand or nestling them in decorative cupcake wrappers. For parties, try creating a cupcake bouquet or a pull-apart “cake” by assembling your frosted cupcakes in a fun shape—instant centerpiece, maximum smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you topped them with cream cheese or whipped cream frosting, refrigerate instead, but allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the softest bite.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze beautifully! For best results, wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as desired.
Reheating
If your cupcakes seem a little firm after refrigeration, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back their lovely softness and enhances the vanilla aroma—just like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute canola oil, sunflower oil, or even a light olive oil if you want a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to choose a neutral-tasting oil so the classic vanilla flavor shines through.
How do I make this Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil dairy-free?
Simply swap out the whole milk for any unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free frosting. The cupcakes will still come out tender and delicious!
Why are my cupcakes dense instead of fluffy?
Dense cupcakes are usually the result of overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients, and always measure your flour correctly—spoon and level for best results.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil doubles beautifully! Just make sure to mix your batter in a large enough bowl, and keep an eye on your oven as baking times might be a bit longer depending on your batch size.
How do I get perfect cupcake domes?
The trick is a properly preheated oven and filling the liners just two-thirds full. Resist the temptation to overfill; this gives your cupcakes room to rise into those perfect, bakery-style domes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil for yourself. It’s the kind of bake that always wins hearts, whether you’re sharing at a celebration or just enjoying a sweet afternoon treat. Give it a go—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll become one in yours, too!
PrintVanilla Cupcake Recipe with Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist and tender vanilla cupcakes are made with oil instead of butter, resulting in a soft, fluffy crumb and delicious flavor. Perfect for any celebration or as an anytime treat, they’re simple to make and adaptable for dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Frosting
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, milk, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be smooth but not overworked.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Decorate as desired and enjoy!
Notes
- For dairy-free cupcakes, use non-dairy milk and a dairy-free frosting.
- Oil keeps the cupcakes especially moist, even after a day or two.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a subtle citrus twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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