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Celebrate any special occasion with these delightful Birthday Cupcakes! These vanilla cupcakes, topped with creamy buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles, are sure to bring joy to any Festive Party Treat.

Why You’ll Love Birthday Cupcakes

These Birthday Cupcakes shine as a Festive Party Treat:

Classic Delight: Fluffy vanilla cupcakes with rich, creamy frosting.
Fun to Decorate: Sprinkles and colors make them party-ready.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients for a stunning result.
I baked these for my niece’s birthday, and the kids couldn’t stop grabbing seconds!

Ingredients for Birthday Cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need for Birthday Cupcakes (makes 12 cupcakes):

For the Cupcakes:

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup buttermilk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup heavy cream
1½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
Food coloring (optional)
¼ cup sprinkles, for decoration

Equipment:

12-cup muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Electric mixer
Piping bag (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

Buttermilk: Adds moisture; substitute with ½ cup milk plus ½ tsp vinegar if needed.
Butter: Softened for smooth frosting; avoid melting to maintain structure.
Powdered Sugar: Sift to prevent lumps in frosting.
Sprinkles: Use rainbow or themed sprinkles to match the celebration.
Eggs: Room temperature for better batter incorporation.

Directions for Birthday Cupcakes

Let’s bake these joyful Birthday Cupcakes!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I whisk together 1¼ cups flour, 1¼ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt until combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, I use an electric mixer to beat 2 eggs and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
I add 1½ tsp vanilla extract and ½ cup vegetable oil, mixing until smooth.

Alternate Dry and Wet

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with ½ cup buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients (dry, buttermilk, dry, buttermilk, dry).
I mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Bake Cupcakes

I divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. I bake for 15–18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, I beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute.
I gradually add 3–4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1½ tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
If desired, I add a few drops of food coloring and mix until even.

Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, I frost the Birthday Cupcakes with buttercream using a piping bag or spatula.
I top each with ¼ cup sprinkles for a festive touch.

Serve

I arrange the cupcakes on a decorative stand and serve with a big smile!

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Calories: ~350 kcal per cupcake
Macros per Cupcake: 50g carbs, 3g protein, 18g fat, 0.5g fiber

Variations for Birthday Cupcakes

Try these twists on Birthday Cupcakes:

Chocolate Swap: Use ¼ cup cocoa powder in place of ¼ cup flour for a chocolatey Festive Party Treat.
Fruit Burst: Fold ½ cup diced strawberries into the batter for a Festive Party Treat twist.
Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Mini Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin, baking for 10–12 minutes.
Funfetti Style: Add ¼ cup sprinkles to the batter for extra color.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Savory Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Delight for a party spread.
Serve with milk or sparkling juice to enhance the Festive Party Treat vibe.
Package in individual boxes for party favors.

Storage

I store Birthday Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften. To freeze, I place unfrosted cupcakes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I thaw at room temperature before frosting. Leftover frosting keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week; I re-whip it before use.

FAQs About Birthday Cupcakes

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cupcakes gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, verify that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and sprinkles, are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While buttercream frosting is a classic choice, you can use cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or even a chocolate ganache. Feel free to get creative with flavors and colors to match your celebration theme.

How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
To ensure your cupcakes are extra moist, avoid overmixing the batter and make sure not to overbake them. You can also add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the batter for added moisture. Additionally, using buttermilk, as in this recipe, helps keep the cupcakes tender and moist.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It’s best to bake the cupcakes immediately after preparing the batter to ensure they rise properly. However, you can prepare and refrigerate the dry and wet ingredients separately up to a day in advance. Combine them just before baking for the freshest results.

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Conclusion

These Birthday Cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, offering a delicious and festive treat that everyone will love. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they are a great addition to any party!