Single Serve Vanilla Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting

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Craving something sweet, but don’t want to make a full batch of cupcakes? Try this Single-Serve Vanilla Cupcake! Oh, yes. This recipe really makes only one light, fluffy, and delicious cupcake. The best part? All you need is just a handful of pantry staple ingredients, a heavy splash of vanilla, and you’re ready to bake! It’s SO simple and all you need is one mixing bowl to make this cupcake. Truly the perfect treat for when you need a special little treat just for you!

About The Recipe

Well, it’s finally Monday and…let me just say, it’s been a WEEK!

Over the weekend, we had issues with our water-heater and had to get it replaced. So, for about 4 days, we haven’t had any hot water. To say this was stressful would be an understatement.

Though, over the weekend, my mom and I were craving something sweet…but we didn’t want to mess up dishes because – well, no hot water and low water pressure.

Which is where this cute little cupcake came from!

It was just a quick way for the both of us to satisfy our sweet tooth, while also not making very many dishes. In total, I think we had to wash 4 things after all was said and done.

Isn’t that crazy? A delicious homemade cupcake with minimal ingredients and even less dishes?!

So, my mom and I just knew that we had to share this recipe with all of you. It turned out so good and so simple that it just had to be shared!

The best part? Unlike other “single serve” recipes, this cupcake literally makes ONE cupcake. Yep! No twos or threes, extra larges, or anything else. Just one light, fluffy, and oh-so delicious vanilla cupcake that you don’t have to share.

It’s the perfect recipe to treat yourself and to kick off a new week!

Reasons You Will LOVE This Vanilla Cupcake

• Moist, tender, and FULL of vanilla flavor.
• Seriously SO easy to make,
• Quick to make!!
• The perfect no-sharing-needed treat for when you want a bite of something sweet.
• Only makes ONE cupcake!
• Topped with the silkiest vanilla buttercream to give this cupcake a little extra deliciousness.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Muffin Pan
• Cupcake Paper
• Cake Tester
• Hand Mixer
• Small Offset Spatula

Ingredients

Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For The Cupcake:

• Whole Milk – Using whole fat milk makes this cupcake incredibly tender and richer in flavor.
• Vegetable Oil – Oil keeps the cupcake moist and tender.
• Egg Yolk – Since this recipe is for a single cupcake, one egg was too much. So, you will only need a yolk for this recipe! It adds an extra depth and richness to this cupcake, while also acting as a binder.
• Vanilla Extract – This is what gives this cake all of it’s flavor! Be sure to use a high quality vanilla for the ultimate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Skip buying cake flour at the store this week because using regular unbleached all-purpose flour creates the perfect structure and texture for this cupcake!
• Baking Powder – Leavening is essential for baking, as this is what creates the light and fluff texture you know and love.
• Salt – A dash of salt enhances the flavor of this cupcake, while cutting the sweetness just a little bit.

For The Frosting:

• Salted Butter – Remember to set the butter out ahead of time to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar – For the smoothest buttercream, sift your powdered sugar!
• Heavy Cream – A splash of heavy cream loosens the frosting to make it spreadable, but also keeps it light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor to the frosting.

How To Make A Single Serve Vanilla Cupcake

Step 1: Make the batter

In a small bowl, whisk together milk, oil, egg yolk, and vanilla.

Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir only until blended. Do NOT over mix!

Step 2: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 18 minutes, or until cupcake tests done.

Step 3: Prepare frosting

In a small bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.

Add cream and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

Step 4: Decorate

Spread frosting onto cooled cupcake.

FAQ’s and Troubleshooting

How To Achieve The Perfect Buttercream

There are are a few things you can do to make sure you get the creamiest, silkiest buttercream every single time!

The first is making sure your butter is room temperature. This is super important! Another is sifting your powdered sugar. Lumps of powdered sugar = lumpy buttercream!

Lastly, if you feel your buttercream is too thick, you can add a splash of whole milk or heavy cream. This will help loosen it.

Decorating Ideas

With a vanilla cupcake, the possibilities are pretty much limitless when it comes to decorating! If you need some inspiration, here are a few of our favorite ways to decorate this cupcake.

• Sprinkles of any kind! From rainbow, holiday themed, and everything in-between. Sprinkles always add a cute and fun decorative element to any cake!
• Use mini chocolate chips or chocolate curls on top of this cake.
• A drizzle of salted caramel sauce or even chocolate sauce would add a delicious and gorgeous element!
• Feel free to color the frosting with food coloring to add a fun pop of color!
• Use edible flowers, especially during the spring and summer.
• Pipe shapes or patterns onto this cupcake. Flowers, animals, anything holiday-themed!

Substitutions

• This recipe can be made vegan by using a plant-based milk and aquafaba. For the frosting, use your favorite vegan butter and plant-based milk.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use your favorite 1:1 gluten free all-purpose flour.

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Expert Tips

• Set your egg, butter, and milk out ahead of time to allow them to come to room temperature.
• Check your baking powder to make sure it’s still in-date.
• Remember to preheat your oven!
• Be careful to not over-mix your cupcake batter.
• If you’re unsure the cupcake is baked, you can use a cake tester or tooth pick. If it comes clean, the cupcake is baked!
• Let the cupcake cool COMPLETELY before frosting it.

When you make these Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

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