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Wedding Cake Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream and Elegant Decorations Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

These Wedding Cake Cupcakes feature a soft, tender crumb with a delicate vanilla and almond flavor, topped with a silky and creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, or any celebration, these cupcakes are elegantly decorated with edible pearls, sprinkles, or fresh flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, full-fat
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk, room temperature

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

  • Edible pearls or glitter
  • Fresh berries or flowers (food-safe)
  • White sprinkles or sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to be incorporated later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes, to create a smooth base for the cupcakes.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain the batter’s smooth texture. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (optional) for a classic wedding cake flavor.
  5. Combine Sour Cream and Milk: In a small bowl, mix sour cream and whole milk until blended, adding moisture and richness to the batter.
  6. Add Flour and Cream Mixtures: With the mixer on low, add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep cupcakes tender.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cupcakes should have a light golden color and spring back when lightly pressed.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents melting of the frosting.
  10. Make Vanilla Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and pale, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating on low after each addition to avoid sugar clouds. Add heavy cream or whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  11. Decorate Cupcakes: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip and pipe swirls or rosettes over each cooled cupcake. Finish by decorating with edible pearls, glitter, white sprinkles, fresh berries, or food-safe flowers for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • If making ahead, store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container; frost just before serving for best texture.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • For dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream.
  • Almond extract is optional but enhances the classic wedding cake flavor.
  • Decorate with edible pearls, sprinkles, or flowers to add an elegant touch suitable for special occasions.

Keywords: wedding cake cupcakes, vanilla buttercream, elegant cupcakes, bridal shower dessert, celebration cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, almond vanilla cupcakes

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/wedding-cake-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-and-elegant-decorations-recipe/