Description
These gluten-free vanilla cupcakes are super easy to make, even if you’re not a gluten-free baker! They’re fluffy and moist, topped with my favorite vanilla buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
For the cupcake:
- 2 cups (380g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 ml) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) cup for cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (see notes)
- 3 teaspoons (11.2 g) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) milk (I use nonfat), at room temperature
For the frosting:
- 1 1/2 cup (339 g) unsalted butter, cold
- 6 cups (780g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Gel color (optional)
Instructions
For the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the eggs and oil are well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Next mix in the sour cream and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl combine the remaining dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt. Add half the dry ingredients, and half of the milk and mix just until the flour starts to incorporate.
- Finally add the remaining dry ingredients and the remaining milk. Beat on low speed until all of the ingredients are well combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir the batter from the bottom to the top to ensure it’s well mixed.
- Using a large cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly, filling each liner 2/3 full.
- Bake at 350°F for 14-16 minutes. Test the cupcakes for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cupcake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cupcakes are done. Cool Completely.
For the Frosting:
- Cut the butter into pieces. Using the paddle attachment, whip the butter for 5-7 minutes, scraping down the bowl occasionally, beating until the butter is very fluffy.
- Alternate adding 2 cups of powdered sugar at a time with the liquid ingredients: vanilla extract & heavy cream. Ensure the powdered sugar is well combined, then and whip for 1-2 minutes before adding more powdered sugar.
- Finally, add the gel color if desired, increase speed to medium-high and beat for another 3-5 minutes to whip additional air into the frosting. Decorate with a large piping tip and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- Important (!) note on gluten-free flour: My preferred flour is King Arthur Measure for Measure GF Flour. If preparing this recipe using a food scale, thus going by weight measurements, double check the weight measurement in grams for the actual gluten free flour you are using and use the weight measurement according to the packaging so that it is equivalent to 2 1/2 cups. Not all flour weights are equivalent. Over or under measuring the flour can effect the end results.
- Sour Cream: You can substitute the light sour cream, Greek or plain yogurt.
- To make 12-14 cupcakes, halve all the dry and wet ingredients, but use 2 whole eggs, 2/3 cups milk
- Make this a cake: You can bake this as a 9-inch by 13-inch cake and halving the frosting recipe. Bake for approximately 25-32 minutes.
- Storage suggestions: If you live in a hot and humid environment then I would suggest that you refrigerate cupcakes that are frosted and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Otherwise, they can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature.
- Make-ahead: These are best served within 2 days of preparation but will proper storage they can stay fresh for several days.
- Freezing: If needed, flash-freeze the cupcakes on a baking sheet for 15 minutes than transfer them to an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours then bring to room temperature prior to serving. If possible, it’s best to store them unfrosted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 399
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 58mg