Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes – Classic Bakery Treat
Few bakery treats are as iconic as Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes. With their light, tender crumb and rich, dreamy buttercream frosting, they’ve earned a permanent place in dessert history — simple, classic, and absolutely irresistible.
This Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe recreates the light, tender crumb and rich buttercream frosting that made these cupcakes world-famous. If you love classic, crowd-pleasing bakes, you might also enjoy our Classic Brownies, another beloved treat that’s always a hit at gatherings and celebrations.
Originally popularized by Magnolia Bakery in New York City, these bakery-style cupcakes offer timeless comfort and classic American flavor, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet celebration. And if you’re planning a dessert table, our French Vanilla Ice Cream makes a cool, creamy companion that’s just as crowd-pleasing.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cupcakes
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups (190g) self-rising flour
- 1¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6–8 cups (720–960g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
- Sift the self-rising and all-purpose flours together in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add 4 cups of the confectioners’ sugar, the milk, and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar until the frosting is thick yet spreadable.
Assemble:
- Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the buttercream frosting.
- Garnish with sprinkles if desired for a true bakery finish.
Notes
- Use all ingredients at room temperature for best results.
- Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cupcakes light.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Variations & Add-ons
- Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh twist.
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Color the frosting pastel shades for themed celebrations.
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Cupcake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
The Story Behind Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes
Magnolia Bakery’s rise to fame came not only from its desserts but also from a surge in pop culture appearances, including TV shows like Sex and the City.
Their signature cupcakes, piled high with buttercream frosting, became a symbol of old-fashioned, joyful American baking.
Today, Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes are celebrated around the world as a reminder of simple indulgence and homemade happiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cupcakes at birthdays, showers, tea parties, or cozy weekend gatherings.
Pair with fresh berries, a glass of milk, or a light sparkling wine for an extra touch of celebration.
They are best enjoyed at room temperature when the frosting is soft and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes — the cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored unfrosted in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving.
Can I substitute buttermilk for whole milk?
Absolutely! It adds a slight tang and tenderness to the crumb.
Final Thoughts
Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes deliver timeless charm and bakery-quality taste with every bite.
Their soft, moist texture and rich frosting make them a go-to favorite for any special occasion — or simply to brighten an ordinary day.
Sandra Bizzolo blends her passion for travel, cooking, and books into every adventure. From global food tours to literary explorations, she brings a warm, personal touch to her recipes, travel stories, and cultural insights.
