Bridal Shower Vanilla Cupcakes

There's something magical about vanilla cupcakes dressed in soft pink frosting—they're elegant, celebratory, and absolutely irresistible. These Bridal Shower Vanilla Cupcakes with Pink Frosting are light, fluffy, and topped with a dreamy pastel-pink buttercream that practically melts on your tongue. Whether you're hosting a bridal shower, baby shower, or simply craving a sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes, these cupcakes deliver on every level. The delicate vanilla flavor paired with creamy frosting makes them a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.

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What makes these cupcakes truly special is their versatility and ease. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the result is a perfectly moist cupcake every single time. The pink frosting is just as simple—creamy butter whipped with powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a hint of pink gel coloring creates a buttercream that's both gorgeous and delicious. Finish them with edible pearls or sprinkles, and you have a dessert table centerpiece that guests will be talking about long after the party ends.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp whole milk (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1–2 drops pink gel food coloring (or as desired)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)
• Edible pearls, sprinkles, or sugar flowers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then pour in the milk. Mix gently, then add the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill cupcake liners

Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool cupcakes

Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the pink frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then milk, one tablespoon at a time, until a smooth, spreadable consistency is reached. Add pink food coloring, mixing until evenly tinted.

Step 10: Frost and decorate

Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with pink buttercream using a piping bag or spatula. Decorate with edible pearls or sprinkles if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin—this helps create a smooth, even batter that bakes up perfectly fluffy. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; gentle folding is key to keeping the cupcakes light and tender. When making the frosting, sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps, and add the milk gradually to control the consistency. If you want a deeper pink shade, add the gel food coloring drop by drop until you achieve your desired hue. For make-ahead convenience, bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container, then frost just before serving to keep the buttercream fresh and beautiful.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cupcakes are wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk. To enhance the vanilla flavor, add 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste to the batter for a richer, more aromatic taste. You can also customize the frosting color to match your party theme—swap the pink for lavender, mint green, or classic white. If you want to add a fruity twist, fold fresh or freeze-dried berries into the frosting, or top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry or strawberry slice. For chocolate lovers, dip the frosted cupcakes in melted white chocolate or drizzle with ganache.

Serviervorschläge

These elegant cupcakes shine brightest when served as part of a bridal shower dessert table, arranged on tiered cake stands and surrounded by fresh flowers or candles. They pair beautifully with sparkling rosé, champagne, or a light herbal tea like chamomile or Earl Grey. For a complete celebration spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, mini macarons, or chocolate truffles. If you're hosting an afternoon tea, these cupcakes make a perfect sweet finale. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days—just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

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These Bridal Shower Vanilla Cupcakes with Pink Frosting are the epitome of sweet celebration—simple to make, stunning to look at, and absolutely delicious to eat. With their tender crumb, luscious frosting, and endless decorating possibilities, they're sure to be the highlight of any special occasion. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results that will impress your guests and leave everyone reaching for seconds. So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowls, and get ready to create a batch of cupcakes that taste as magical as they look.

Recipe FAQ

→ What ingredients give the cupcakes their vanilla flavor?

Pure vanilla extract is added to both the cupcake batter and frosting to create a classic vanilla taste.

→ How can I achieve a fluffy cupcake texture?

Using room temperature eggs and butter, and mixing just until combined prevents overworking the batter, resulting in light, fluffy cupcakes.

→ Can I make the frosting a different color?

Yes, simply adjust the amount or type of food coloring to achieve your desired frosting color.

→ What are some decoration ideas for these treats?

Edible pearls, sprinkles, or sugar flowers add a decorative, festive finish while complementing the pink frosting.

→ Is it possible to prepare these in advance?

Unfrosted cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container; frost just before serving for best texture.