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Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

The Perfect Kid-Friendly Cupcake Recipe for Little Chefs

These Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes are simple, fluffy, buttery, and perfect for little hands to help make. Whether you’re baking on a rainy afternoon, during summer break, or after completing our Little Chef Printable Collection, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

These cupcakes are soft, moist, and topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream that kids will love decorating with sprinkles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy enough for kids to help make
  • Soft and fluffy vanilla cupcakes
  • Perfect for birthdays and playdates
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Great family baking activity

How To Make Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.


Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set aside.


Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl beat:

  • Butter
  • Sugar

Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.


Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Add the vanilla extract and mix well.


Step 5: Combine Everything

Add half of the dry ingredients.

Add the milk.

Add the remaining dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.


Step 6: Fill and Bake

Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full.

Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.


Step 7: Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy.

Gradually add icing sugar.

Mix in:

  • Milk
  • Vanilla

Beat until smooth and fluffy.


Step 8: Decorate

Spread or pipe frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Top with:

  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Mini candies
  • Colored sugar

Let your little chef get creative!


Little Chef Tips

👩‍🍳 Kids can help:

  • Measure ingredients
  • Mix the batter
  • Place cupcake liners
  • Add sprinkles
  • Decorate the cupcakes

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to:

  • 2 days at room temperature
  • 5 days in the refrigerator

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes one day in advance and frost before serving.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Can I add food coloring?

Yes. Divide the batter and color it for rainbow cupcakes.


More Fun for Little Chefs!

Did your child enjoy baking these cupcakes?

Be sure to download our FREE Little Chef Printable Collection, featuring:

FREE Little Chef Printable Collection: 5 Fun Food Activities for Kids Ages 5–8

🍕 Build Your Own Pizza

🍦 Design Your Dream Ice Cream

📋 My Little Chef Menu

🧁 Design Your Cupcake

🍔 Build Your Dream Burger

These fun food-themed activities are perfect for keeping kids creative and entertained while making memories in the kitchen.

Get instant access on Canadian Cooking Adventures and start your next Little Chef adventure today! 🍁

Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

Little Chef Vanilla Cupcakes

Yield: 12
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • For the Vanilla Cupcakes
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups icing sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles for decorating

Instructions


    Step 1: Prepare the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
    Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl whisk together:
    Flour
    Baking powder
    Salt

    Set aside.
    Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl beat:
    Butter
    Sugar
    Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
    Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
    Beat in the eggs one at a time.
    Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
    Step 5: Combine Everything
    Add half of the dry ingredients.
    Add the milk.
    Add the remaining dry ingredients.
    Mix until just combined.
    Do not overmix.
    Step 6: Fill and Bake
    Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full.
    Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
    Step 7: Make the Buttercream
    Beat butter until creamy.
    Gradually add icing sugar.
    Mix in:
    Milk
    Vanilla
    Beat until smooth and fluffy.
    Step 8: Decorate
    Spread or pipe frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
    Top with:
    Rainbow sprinkles
    Chocolate sprinkles
    Mini candies
    Colored sugar
    Let your little chef get creative!

Notes

Little Chef Tips

👩‍🍳 Kids can help:

Measure ingredients
Mix the batter
Place cupcake liners
Add sprinkles
Decorate the cupcakes

Adult supervision is recommended when using the oven.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 667Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 103gFiber: 1gSugar: 79gProtein: 5g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

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