Imagine biting into a soft, moist cupcake, infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of real vanilla beans. This isn't your ordinary vanilla cupcake - it's a true gourmet delight, crafted with care and attention to detail. The secret to its extraordinary flavor lies in the use of a whole vanilla bean, which gives it a depth and complexity that you simply cannot achieve with vanilla extract alone.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are readily available in the average home, the one item you may need to seek out is the vanilla bean. Vanilla beans are not typically stocked in standard grocery stores, but can be found in specialty food stores or online. They are the star of this recipe, lending a rich and aromatic flavor that simply cannot be matched by vanilla extract.
Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
All-purpose flour: This is a versatile type of flour that is suitable for a wide range of baked goods, including cupcakes.
Cake flour: This type of flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, resulting in a lighter, more tender crumb.
Baking powder: This is a leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the other flavors in the cupcakes.
Unsalted butter: This adds richness to the cupcakes. Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your baked goods.
Granulated sugar: This provides the sweetness in the cupcakes.
Vanilla bean: The seeds inside the vanilla bean are scraped out and added to the batter for a strong, natural vanilla flavor.
Egg: This adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
Egg whites: These give the cupcakes a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the vanilla flavor from the vanilla bean.
Milk: This adds moisture to the batter, making the cupcakes soft and tender.
Butter: This is used for the frosting to give it a rich, creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: This is used for the frosting to sweeten it and give it a smooth texture.
Heavy cream: This is used in the frosting to make it fluffy and spreadable.
One reader, Chen Dickey says:
These vanilla bean cupcakes are a dream come true! The aroma of vanilla is heavenly, and the cupcakes are moist and fluffy. The vanilla bean buttercream frosting is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend this recipe for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Techniques for Perfect Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
How to prepare the cupcake batter: This involves creaming together the butter, sugar, and vanilla bean, and then adding the eggs, vanilla extract, and alternating the addition of the dry ingredients and milk until the batter is smooth.
How to make the vanilla bean buttercream frosting: This involves creaming together the butter and vanilla bean seeds, then adding the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract and whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy.
How to frost the cupcakes: This involves using a piping bag or spatula to evenly spread the vanilla bean buttercream frosting on top of the cooled cupcakes.
How To Make Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Enjoy a more robust vanilla flavor with this tasty cupcakes recipe! It comes with a smooth vanilla bean frosting to top things off.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cupcakes:
- ¾cupall-purpose flour
- ¾cupcake flour
- 1½tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- ½cupunsalted buttersoftened
- ¾granulated sugarplus 2 tablespoons
- 1vanilla beandeseeded
- 1large large egg
- 2egg whiteslarge
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ⅔cupmilkanything but skimmed
For Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾cupbutternearly at room temperature, preferably ½ cup unsalted and ¼ cup salted
- 1vanilla beandeseeded
- 3cupspowdered sugar
- 2tbspheavy cream
- ½tspvanilla extract
Instructions
Cupcakes:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
-
Sift all-purpose flour and cake flour into a medium mixing bowl. Add baking powder and salt and whisk 20 seconds, set aside.
-
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, granulated sugar and seeds of 1 vanilla bean until mixture is pale and fluffy.
-
Mix in egg then the egg whites one at a time.
-
Blend in vanilla extract.
-
With the mixer set on low speed, add flour in three additions alternating with ½ of the milk in two additions.
-
Remove bowl from stand mixer, scrape the sides of the mixture, then gently fold the batter with a spatula to until evenly combined.
-
Divide batter among paper lined muffin cups filling each cup ⅔ full.
-
Bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 17 to 20 minutes.
-
Remove from oven, then transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool.
Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:
-
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together butter and seeds of one vanilla bean until butter is fluffy.
-
Add in powdered sugar, cream and vanilla and whip until frosting is light and fluffy.
-
Once cupcakes are cook, frost with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting.
-
Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 4552.80kcal
- Fat: 380.00g
- Saturated Fat: 238.87g
- Trans Fat: 14.88g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 98.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 15.46g
- Carbohydrates: 257.28g
- Fiber: 5.70g
- Sugar: 55.64g
- Protein: 36.88g
- Cholesterol: 1023.30mg
- Sodium: 2372.09mg
- Calcium: 458.04mg
- Potassium: 734.15mg
- Iron: 16.18mg
- Vitamin A: 3236.21µg
- Vitamin C: 0.02mg
Crucial Technique for Successful Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
When scraping the seeds from the vanilla bean, lay it flat on your cutting board and slice it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Then, use the back of your knife to scrape out the seeds. This will ensure you get the maximum amount of flavor from your vanilla bean. Also, don't discard the pod. You can use it to make homemade vanilla extract or sugar. Just place the used pod in a jar with sugar or vodka and let it infuse for a few weeks.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Prep ahead: Measure and sift dry ingredients the night before. Store them in an airtight container to save time on baking day.
Room temperature: Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help the ingredients blend more easily and reduce mixing time.
Efficient setup: Organize ingredients and equipment before starting. This ensures a smooth and efficient baking process.
One-bowl method: Use the same bowl for mixing dry and wet ingredients to minimize cleanup and save time.
Quick frosting: Opt for a simple frosting technique such as a rustic swirl or a dusting of powdered sugar to save time on decorating.
Substitute Ingredients For Vanilla Bean Cupcakes Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the cupcakes.
cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour by adding a bit of cornstarch to mimic the lower protein content of cake flour.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the cupcakes.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a unique flavor and moisture to the cupcakes.
vanilla bean - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla bean, providing a similar flavor without the need for scraping the seeds from the bean.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, adding moisture and binding properties to the cupcakes.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into a foam and used as a vegan substitute for egg whites in baking.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor to traditional butter.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar, adding a hint of caramel flavor to the buttercream frosting.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a rich and creamy texture to the buttercream frosting.
Presentation Ideas for Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Elevate the cupcake: Place the cupcake on a decorative plate to showcase its beauty and craftsmanship.
Garnish with vanilla bean: Sprinkle vanilla bean shavings on top of the frosting for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a pop of color and elegance by garnishing the plate with edible flowers that complement the vanilla flavor.
Utilize precision: Use a piping bag to carefully apply the vanilla bean buttercream frosting, ensuring each cupcake is adorned with a uniform and exquisite design.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cupcakes in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and sophisticated presentation, delicately place gold leaf on the plate to add a shimmering, opulent touch to the dessert.
Incorporate height: Place the cupcakes on a tiered serving platter to create a visually stunning display, adding dimension and elegance to the presentation.
Accentuate with fresh berries: Introduce vibrant fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries to the plate for a burst of color and a delightful flavor contrast.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine sprinkling of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and finesse to the presentation.
Personalize with monogrammed chocolate: Create a personalized touch by adding monogrammed chocolate toppers featuring the initials of the dining guests, adding a bespoke and memorable element to the dessert presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Cupcakes
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cupcake batter.
Electric stand mixer: An electric stand mixer is used for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as for whipping the frosting until light and fluffy.
Muffin pan: A muffin pan is used to bake the cupcakes and ensures they maintain their shape while in the oven.
Paper liners: Paper liners are used to line the muffin pan and prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
Sifter: A sifter is used to sift the flours and baking powder, ensuring they are free of lumps and well combined.
Spatula: A spatula is used for folding the batter and ensuring it is evenly combined without overmixing.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cupcakes after baking, allowing air to circulate around them.
Storing and Freezing Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cupcakes soggy.
To store the cupcakes at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.
If you want to store the cupcakes in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days. However, keep in mind that the refrigerator can dry out the cupcakes, so it's best to consume them within a few days.
To freeze the cupcakes, follow these steps:
- Place the cooled cupcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the cupcakes are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen cupcakes, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
If you want to freeze frosted cupcakes, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is solid. Then, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, remove the plastic wrap and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
If you have leftover buttercream frosting, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To use frozen frosting, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature and beat it with a mixer until it's smooth and fluffy again.
How To Reheat Leftover Cupcakes
The best way to reheat leftover vanilla bean cupcakes is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the cupcakes without drying them out or making them soggy.
Another option is to use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat the cupcakes as this can cause them to become rubbery. Place the cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you want to restore the moisture in your leftover cupcakes, you can place a damp paper towel over them before reheating in the microwave. This will help to create steam and prevent the cupcakes from drying out.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also use a toaster oven. Simply place the cupcakes on the toaster oven tray and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
If you have leftover vanilla bean buttercream frosting, you can remove it from the cupcakes before reheating and then reapply it once the cupcakes are warm. This will prevent the frosting from melting and becoming too runny.
Interesting Fact About Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
The vanilla bean cupcake recipe is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. The vanilla bean adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the cupcakes, making them a delicious and indulgent dessert. These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The vanilla bean buttercream frosting adds a creamy and luxurious finish to the cupcakes, making them even more irresistible. Whether you're a fan of vanilla or simply love a good cupcake, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Is This Cupcake Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Baking?
The cost-effectiveness of this vanilla bean cupcakes recipe is moderate. The use of vanilla bean and butter may increase the cost, but the simple ingredients and minimal use of specialty items make it reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The delightful flavor and the ease of preparation make it a worthwhile treat for any occasion.
Are Vanilla Bean Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
This vanilla bean cupcake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content: Both the cupcakes and the frosting contain significant amounts of sugar, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Refined flour: The recipe uses all-purpose flour and cake flour, which are refined and lack the beneficial nutrients and fiber found in whole grain flours.
- High fat content: The butter used in both the cupcakes and the frosting adds a considerable amount of saturated fat to the recipe.
- Low in nutrients: The recipe lacks fruits, vegetables, or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar content by using less sugar in the cupcakes and frosting, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates.
- Replace some or all of the refined flour with whole wheat pastry flour, oat flour, or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Swap out some of the butter for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients like shredded zucchini, grated carrots, or mashed bananas into the cupcake batter to add moisture, fiber, and vitamins.
- Top the cupcakes with fresh fruit or a drizzle of dark chocolate instead of the vanilla bean buttercream frosting for a lighter, more nutritious option.
Editor's Opinion on This Vanilla Bean Cupcake Recipe
The vanilla bean cupcakes recipe is a delightful treat that promises a burst of vanilla flavor in every bite. The combination of all-purpose and cake flour creates a light and tender crumb, while the vanilla bean buttercream frosting adds a rich and aromatic finish. The use of real vanilla bean elevates the flavor profile, making these cupcakes a standout dessert option. The recipe's clear instructions and precise measurements ensure a successful outcome, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, these cupcakes are a delightful indulgence that will surely impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enhance Your Vanilla Bean Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try Besides Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Why trust this Vanilla Bean Cupcakes Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients, including vanilla bean and cake flour, to ensure a rich and flavorful taste. The use of real vanilla bean in both the cupcake and the buttercream frosting guarantees a genuine and aromatic vanilla flavor. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. The inclusion of unsalted butter and heavy cream in the frosting promises a creamy and indulgent texture. Trust in the expertise and attention to detail that goes into creating this delectable cupcake recipe.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
