Vanilla Cupcakes

Sharing is caring!

Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla & Chocolate Swirl Frosting

These vanilla cupcakes with a vanilla and chocolate frosting swirl are what dessert dreams are made of. Soft, buttery cupcakes topped with a show-stopping dual swirl of creamy frosting and a generous dash of sprinkles—what’s not to love?

They’re just the right balance of sweet, light, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or simply craving a treat, these cupcakes will be the highlight of any table.

What makes these cupcakes extra special is the frosting. We use a classic buttercream base, flavor one half with vanilla and the other with rich cocoa powder, then pipe them together in a beautiful swirl.

The result is an eye-catching, deliciously creamy topping that’s hard to resist. Add colorful sprinkles for an extra pop of personality and you’ve got a dessert that’s both tasty and joyful to look at.

Vanilla Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Swirled Vanilla & Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate half)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Divide frosting into two bowls. Keep one half vanilla and add cocoa powder to the other half to create the chocolate frosting.
4. Use two small piping bags—one for each frosting—and place them side-by-side in a larger piping bag fitted with a star tip.
5. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes in a tall, beautiful swirl.
6. Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive finish.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure your butter is softened for smooth frosting and fluffy cupcakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter—just mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Use gel food coloring in the frosting if you want to customize the swirl.
• Chill your piping bag for 5–10 minutes before frosting if the buttercream gets too soft.

These cupcakes are a sweet treat that always impresses. The dual swirl adds a bakery-style touch with minimal effort, and the flavor combination of vanilla and chocolate is a classic that everyone loves. Perfect for kids, adults, parties, or a cozy weekend at home.

Be sure to pin this recipe and check out our Reel for a fun frosting tutorial! You’ll see exactly how we get that perfect swirl on each cupcake. Happy baking!