Cupcakes are small, delightful cakes that bring a lot of joy. They are perfect for parties, cozy afternoons, or just a fun baking session at home. Unlike large cakes, cupcakes are single-serve, which makes them ideal for decorating, sharing, and enjoying individually.

Today, we’re going to explore how we can make soft, buttery cupcakes with a tender, fluffy texture without beating egg whites.

This recipe is simple but produces cupcakes that taste amazing and look beautiful. We can even experiment with different flavors for the cream topping to make each batch unique.

Ingredients for the Cake

We divide the ingredients into two groups: cake base (Group A) and cream topping (Group B).

Cake Base:

- Butter: 100g, softened and cut into small pieces

- Cake flour: 120g

- Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature

- Granulated sugar: 60g

- Milk: 20–35g (adjust depending on egg size)

- Baking powder: 3g

- Vanilla extract: a few drops

Topping Cream:

- Heavy cream: 250g

- Granulated sugar: 35g

- Vanilla extract: a few drops, optional for flavor

This recipe yields about 12 small cupcakes or 3 medium cupcakes, making it perfect for a small gathering or family treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure the cupcakes bake evenly.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Beat the mixture until it turns pale and fluffy—this step is important for creating a soft texture.

3. Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl and add a few drops of vanilla extract. Gradually pour the eggs into the butter mixture, mixing slowly to prevent separation. We want the batter to be smooth, creamy, and well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, sift together the cake flour and baking powder.

2. Add the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture in 2–3 portions, mixing gently after each addition.

3. The batter will be thick at this point, so gradually pour in milk (20–35g) until the batter reaches a smooth, soft consistency. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not stiff.

Step 3: Fill the Molds

1. Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners for easy removal and neat presentation.

2. Spoon the batter into each liner, filling each about 50–60% full to leave room for rising.

3. Gently tap the tray on the counter to release air bubbles and create an even surface.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (356°F).

2. Bake for 17–20 minutes, depending on the size of the cupcakes and oven variations. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they are done.

3. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the cream topping from melting.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Topping

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, pour 250g heavy cream.

2. Add 35g sugar and a splash of vanilla extract (optional, or any flavoring you like).

3. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it can become too stiff.

4. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag. Decorate the cooled cupcakes with swirls, rosettes, or simple dollops. For extra flavor, we can mix in cocoa, matcha, or fruit puree.

Step 6: Optional Decorations

We can make cupcakes more fun and colorful by adding:

- Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries

- Chocolate chips or shavings

- Edible sprinkles or dusting of cocoa powder

- Light drizzle of fruit syrup or caramel

Decorating is a creative step where we can experiment and make each cupcake special.

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

- Ensure the butter is fully softened for a smooth batter.

- Adjust milk gradually to control batter consistency.

- Cool cupcakes completely before piping cream.

- Use a piping bag for neat and professional-looking designs.

- Experiment with flavors—vanilla, cocoa, matcha, or fruit puree all work well.

Enjoy Baking Together!

Lykkers, baking cupcakes is not just about following a recipe—it’s about enjoying the process, experimenting with flavors, and sharing delicious results. With this step-by-step method, we can make soft, buttery cupcakes topped with creamy frosting right at home. The steps are simple, the outcome is impressive, and the joy of sharing our creations with friends or family is priceless. Let’s embrace the fun of baking, try new decorations, and turn every cupcake into a little piece of happiness!