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Homemade Ombre Vanilla Cupcakes with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream photo

Ombre Vanilla Cupcakes with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream

These Ombre Vanilla Cupcakes are visually stunning and deliciously soft, featuring layers of flavor and a delightful whipped vanilla buttercream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
For the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Food coloring

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes come out perfectly.
  2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the leavening agents in your batter.
  3. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar - In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients - Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Step 6: Divide and Color the Batter - Divide the batter into three bowls. Leave one bowl plain, and then add a few drops of food coloring to the other two bowls, gradually mixing in more color to create a gradient effect.
  7. Step 7: Layer the Batter - Spoon the batters into the prepared cupcake liners, starting with the darkest color at the bottom and layering up to the lightest. This will create the beautiful ombre effect when you bite into them.
  8. Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes - Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
  9. Step 9: Make the Whipped Vanilla Buttercream - In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the whole milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
  10. Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes - Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them with the whipped vanilla buttercream. For an added ombre effect, you can tint your frosting with food coloring, creating a beautiful gradient on top of your cupcakes.

Notes

  • Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
  • Baking the cupcakes a day in advance is a great time-saver.