Vanilla Almond Cupcakes

$To make these Vanilla Almond Cupcakes, you need the following: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a nutty flavor) - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - Sliced almonds and powdered sugar for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you want a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of regular milk. For a lighter cupcake, replace butter with applesauce. You can also use coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor. If you can't find almond extract, you can double the vanilla extract. This will still give you a great taste. Garnishes can add a nice touch to your cupcakes. Try adding sliced almonds on top for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look sweet and inviting. You can also drizzle melted chocolate for a richer flavor. Fresh berries can add color and a burst of freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for good baking. While it heats, line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. This makes for easy cupcake removal later. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer for best results. Beat them until the mix is light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate with the milk for a smooth batter. Make sure not to overmix. Now, spoon the batter into the cupcake liners. Fill each one about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, take the pan out of the oven. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar. Top with sliced almonds for a lovely finish. Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Almond Cupcakes! To make the best vanilla almond cupcakes, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps your butter and eggs mix well. Use a scale for measuring flour to get it just right. Too much flour can make cupcakes dry. I recommend using an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. This makes your batter light and fluffy. When mixing dry and wet ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. This can lead to uneven baking. Another mistake is filling the cupcake liners too full. Fill them only two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Also, avoid opening the oven door too soon. This can cause the cupcakes to sink. If you skip the cooling time, the frosting may melt off. To keep your cupcakes moist, use milk or almond milk in the batter. Almond milk adds a nice nutty flavor. Adding a little more butter can also help. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. For extra moisture, you can brush them with a simple syrup. This is just equal parts water and sugar heated until dissolved. It keeps your cupcakes fresh and soft for days. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cupcake. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to prevent dense cupcakes. A few lumps are okay; they’ll bake out. Almond Milk for Extra Flavor: Substitute regular milk with almond milk to enhance the nutty flavor profile of your cupcakes. Garnish Just Before Serving: Dust powdered sugar and add sliced almonds right before serving to keep the toppings fresh and visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can easily add a chocolate twist to your vanilla almond cupcakes. Just mix in 1/3 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This change gives a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with almond. You can also fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness. This variation delights chocolate lovers while keeping that almond essence. Want to make these cupcakes gluten-free? Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for texture. This helps your cupcakes rise and stay moist. You can also use almond flour, which adds a lovely nutty taste. Just remember, gluten-free cupcakes can be denser, so watch your baking time closely. Adding a filling can create a fun surprise in your cupcakes. After baking and cooling, you can cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill it with your favorite jam or cream. Strawberry jam adds a fruity punch, while whipped cream offers lightness. Top with sliced almonds for a beautiful finish. This extra step makes your cupcakes even more delightful! To keep your vanilla almond cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them on the counter for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. Freezing is a great way to save cupcakes for later. First, let them cool fully. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can freeze well for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cupcakes taste best when fresh, but you can extend their life. Avoid leaving them out for long periods. If you notice any mold or smell, it’s best to throw them away. Always check for freshness before serving. Yes, you can use almond milk. It adds a nice nutty flavor. Just swap it for regular milk in equal amounts. This change makes the cupcakes even more delicious and keeps them moist. Cupcakes are done when a toothpick comes out clean. Insert it into the center of a cupcake. If it’s clean, they are ready. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. The tops should also look golden brown. If you lack almond extract, use vanilla extract instead. This keeps the flavor balanced. You can also use hazelnut extract for a different taste. Adjust the amount to suit your flavor preference. We covered the key steps to make delicious cupcakes. You learned about the right ingredients and how to mix them well. I shared baking tips to help you avoid common mistakes. You also found out how to store them for long-lasting freshness. Try out different flavors and make it your own. Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends. Happy baking!$

Deliciously moist cupcakes with a hint of vanilla and almond flavor, topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (or almond milk for a nutty flavor)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
to taste sliced almonds and powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, blending until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, dust them with powdered sugar and top with sliced almonds for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

For a nutty flavor, use almond milk instead of regular milk.

Keyword almond, cupcakes, vanilla