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Moist and Tender White Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

These Moist and Tender White Cupcakes are perfectly soft and fluffy with a delicate vanilla and subtle almond flavor. Using a combination of vegetable shortening and unsalted butter keeps the cupcakes white and tender, while the sour cream adds moistness without compromising texture. Baked at 350°F until just golden, these classic white cupcakes are great for any celebration and provide a wonderful base for your favorite frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or 3 cups + 6 tablespoons cake flour for even whiter cupcakes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature (not low fat)
  • 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract (can use regular vanilla extract, but will add color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or emulsion
  • 1 teaspoon butter extract or emulsion (optional)
  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature

Fats and Sugar

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with cupcake liners and lightly spray the liners with non-stick baking spray to ensure easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, clear vanilla extract, almond extract, butter extract (if using), and the egg whites until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Cream Fats and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high to high speed, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable shortening, and room temperature butter together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving the cupcakes a tender crumb.
  5. Combine Mixtures Alternately: Add half of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat on medium speed just until combined (about 15-20 seconds). Next, add all the wet mixture and mix again on medium speed until just combined (approximately 20 seconds). Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined (about 15-20 seconds). Avoid overmixing.
  6. Scrape and Final Mix: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and beat the batter for about 10 more seconds just to ensure everything is well blended. The batter should be well combined but not overly smooth to prevent dense cupcakes.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon or pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes. Begin checking at 15 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. The cupcakes are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean, the tops are just firm, and the edges have a slight golden tint. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
  9. Cool: Remove cupcakes from the oven and place the pans on wire racks to cool for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes out of the pans to the wire racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Frost: Once fully cooled, pipe or spoon your favorite frosting onto the cupcakes. For best results, consult the notes section for suggested frostings and tips.

Notes

  • Using vegetable shortening combined with butter keeps cupcakes moist and white; shortening helps maintain color and tenderness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense or rubbery cupcakes—mix only until ingredients are well combined.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter and promote even baking.
  • Clear vanilla extract helps keep cupcakes white; regular vanilla extract adds a subtle color.
  • Frosting options include classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream for different flavor profiles.

Keywords: white cupcakes, moist cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, tender cupcakes, party cupcakes, homemade cupcakes

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/moist-and-tender-white-cupcakes-recipe/