Birthday cupcakes made with soft vanilla cupcakes, topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream and simple birthday decorations. An easy, classic recipe I make for family birthdays and celebrations.

birthday cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles on a table with a candle

This birthday cupcakes recipe uses my go-to vanilla cupcake base, a simple and reliable recipe I use all the time for family celebrations.

These vanilla birthday cupcakes are easy to make, hard to mess up, and bake up soft and fluffy every time.

This is the same vanilla cupcake recipe I’ve been baking for years for my kids’ birthdays and family parties.

Why you’ll love these birthday cupcakes

Soft and fluffy vanilla cupcakes Light texture that stays moist, even the next day.
Easy and reliable recipe A no-fail base that works for any birthday.
Perfect for decorating Holds buttercream well without being heavy.

Ingredients you need

Butter: Unsalted butter, softened, for both the cupcakes and the buttercream.
Sugar: Granulated sugar for the cupcakes and powdered sugar for the buttercream.
Eggs: Eggs at room temperature.
Vanilla & salt: Vanilla extract, paste, or vanilla bean, plus a pinch of salt.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcakes soft and moist, with milk as a simple substitute.
Flour: Cake flour or all-purpose flour.
Baking powder: For a light rise.
Heavy cream: Used to loosen and smooth the buttercream.

ingredients for vanilla cupcakes in bowls on a countertop

Tips for this recipe

Use very soft butter, not melted
Bring the eggs and buttermilk to room temperature
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added
Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting

How to make birthday cupcakes

This recipe starts with my classic vanilla cupcake base, which I use for most birthday and celebration cupcakes.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and smooth.

Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until fully combined.

mixing vanilla cupcake batter with eggs butter and vanilla in a bowl

Fold the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately into the batter, mixing gently.

Bake until the cupcakes are set and lightly golden, then let them cool completely.

cupcake pan lined with paper liners filled with vanilla cupcake batter before baking

This recipe uses my classic vanilla buttercream frosting, smooth, easy to pipe, and perfect for birthday cupcakes.

Beat the butter until creamy for the buttercream, then add the powdered sugar gradually.

Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla until smooth and pipeable.

liens vers buttercream

smooth vanilla buttercream frosting whipped in a mixing bowl

Pipe the buttercream onto the cupcakes and decorate as desired.

birthday cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting and a candle on a cake stand

Decorating ideas

Pipe a simple vanilla buttercream swirl and finish with sprinkles
Add birthday candles for a classic party look
Use colorful liners for kids’ birthdays
Top with small chocolate pieces or sugar decorations

You can also use this recipe to make a vanilla birthday cake instead of cupcakes.

Storage

Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days and bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Recipe variations

Funfetti cupcakes: Add sprinkles directly to the batter
Chocolate birthday cupcakes: Replace part of the flour with cocoa powder
Mini cupcakes: Use the same batter and reduce baking time

If you’re craving a richer option, try my chocolate birthday cupcakes.

Recipe Questions

Can I make birthday cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, the cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and frosted before serving.

Can I freeze birthday cupcakes?

Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes and decorate after thawing.

Can I use this recipe for a cake?

Yes, this vanilla cupcake base also works well as a small birthday cake.

birthday cupcake cut in half showing a soft vanilla crumb inside

More Cupcake Recipes

I hope you’ll love this recipe! If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment. It always helps. Happy baking!

Birthday Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Fadela
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Print Recipe

Save Recipe

Description

Soft vanilla birthday cupcakes topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream, perfect for simple homemade celebrations.

Instructions

Vanilla cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
Mix and sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) twice.
Beat the softened butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for one minute until fully combined.
Incorporate the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately, mixing with a spatula between each addition until smooth.
Fill the cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool the cupcakes in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Vanilla buttercream

Place the softened butter in a bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then mix until the buttercream is smooth, light, and easy to pipe.

Cupcakes decorations