Mary Berry Vanilla Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and beautifully moist with a delicate vanilla flavour that makes them perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or everyday baking. These classic cupcakes are simple to make using basic ingredients and are topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. The recipe is beginner-friendly and delivers reliable results every time. Total time is approximately 45 minutes, including preparation, baking, and cooling.
Mary Berry Vanilla Cupcakes
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesLight and fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a soft crumb and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. A classic Mary Berry bake that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
175g self-raising flour
175g caster sugar
175g unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk
150g unsalted butter, softened
300g icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk
Cupcake cases
Optional sprinkles for decoration
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
- Place the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract and milk into a large mixing bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, pale and well combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
- Leave in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add icing sugar.
- Add vanilla extract and milk and beat until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cupcakes
- 175g self-raising flour
- 175g caster sugar
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g icing sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
For Decoration
- Sprinkles, optional
- Extra icing sugar, optional
How to Make Mary Berry Vanilla Cupcakes
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake cases.
- Mix the ingredients: Place the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk into a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the cases: Divide the mixture evenly between the cupcake cases, filling each around two-thirds full.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until risen, lightly golden, and springy when gently pressed.
- Cool completely: Leave the cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Make the frosting: Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Decorate: Pipe or spread the buttercream over the cooled cupcakes. Finish with sprinkles if desired.

Tips
How do I keep the cupcakes light and fluffy?
Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing once everything is combined.
Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?
Opening the oven door too early or underbaking can cause sinking. Wait until the cupcakes are fully risen before checking them.
How can I make smooth buttercream?
Sift the icing sugar before adding it and beat the frosting for several minutes until fluffy.
Can I add extra flavouring?
Yes. Lemon zest, almond extract, or chocolate chips work well with the vanilla base.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Decorate with fresh berries for special occasions.
- Arrange on a cake stand for parties.
- Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 170mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes used.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes one day ahead and store them in an airtight container before frosting.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to 175g plain flour for similar results.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
The tops should be golden and spring back when lightly touched. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
Can I freeze frosted cupcakes?
Yes, although the texture of the frosting may change slightly after thawing. Freeze in a suitable airtight container.