Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe

Get ready to celebrate with these delightful yellow birthday cupcakes. They're light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Topped with a creamy chocolate buttercream, they're the perfect treat for any celebration.

Photos of Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe

Most of the ingredients listed are usually available in your pantry, like eggs, sugar, and flour. However, the recipe calls for cake flour and sour cream, which you might not commonly have. When you are at the supermarket, look for cake flour near the all-purpose flour. It's milled finer and will give your cupcakes a lighter, softer texture. Sour cream, on the other hand, adds rich moisture to the cupcakes.

Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Essential Ingredients

Cake flour: A type of flour that's milled very fine. It makes the cupcakes lighter and fluffier than all-purpose flour.

Baking powder: Used as a leavening agent to help the cupcakes rise.

Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps in creating a delicate crumb.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes. It also helps in making them light and fluffy.

Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cupcakes, and contribute to their overall flavor.

Sour cream: Adds a rich moisture to the cupcakes without thinning the batter.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.

Whole milk: Additional moisture to make the cupcakes tender.

Chocolate buttercream: The creamy, sweet, and chocolatey topping that takes these cupcakes to another level.

One reader, Cassi Stein says:

These yellow birthday cupcakes are a hit! The texture is light and fluffy, and the flavor is divine. The chocolate buttercream frosting is the perfect complement. I made them for my daughter's birthday, and they were a huge hit with everyone. I'll definitely be making these again!

Cassi Stein

Techniques Required for Perfect Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and line a second pan with 2 liners. Set aside.

How to whisk dry ingredients: Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

How to cream butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

How to incorporate wet ingredients: Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then beat in the sour cream. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.

How to mix the batter: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients until just incorporated. With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the milk until combined. Do not over-mix. The batter will be slightly thick.

How to fill cupcake liners: Pour or spoon the batter into the liners, filling only to ⅔ full to avoid spilling over the sides.

How to bake the cupcakes: Bake for 19 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For around 30 mini cupcakes, bake for about 11 to 13 minutes at the same oven temperature.

How to frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with chocolate buttercream.

How to serve: Top with sprinkles, serve, and enjoy!

How To Make Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

Indulge with a couple servings of these super soft and moist birthday cupcakes, topped with a rich chocolate buttercream, for the sweetest afternoon snack!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1¾cupscake flour,spooned and leveled
2tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
½cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
1cupgranulated sugar
2large eggs,room temperature
⅓cupsour cream,room temperature
2½tsppure vanilla extract
¾cupwhole milk,room temperature
chocolate buttercream,*

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2 liners. Set aside.
Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then beat in the sour cream. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients until just incorporated. With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the milk until combined. Do not over-mix. The batter will be slightly thick.
Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill only to ⅔ full to avoid spilling over the sides.
Bake for 19 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For around 30 mini cupcakes, bake for about 11 to 13 minutes, same oven temperature. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Frost the cooled cupcakes with chocolate buttercream. Top with sprinkles, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

* Check out this Chocolate Buttercream Recipe to pair with these buttery cupcakes!
Leftover cupcakes keep well covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 206.66kcal
Fat: 8.91g
Saturated Fat: 5.28g
Trans Fat: 0.27g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.36g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.52g
Carbohydrates: 28.74g
Fiber: 0.29g
Sugar: 15.25g
Protein: 2.90g
Cholesterol: 48.16mg
Sodium: 113.18mg
Calcium: 77.78mg
Potassium: 56.20mg
Iron: 1.48mg
Vitamin A: 82.53µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Essential Technique Tip for Baking Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

To ensure your cupcakes are light and fluffy, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This includes the eggs, butter, and milk. Cold ingredients do not mix together as well, which can result in a denser cupcake. Also, when adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cupcakes tough.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to quickly and evenly mix the cupcake batter, saving time and effort compared to mixing by hand.

Bake multiple batches: If you need more cupcakes, bake multiple batches simultaneously to save time and energy.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to streamline the baking process and minimize time spent searching for tools and ingredients.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.

Substitute Ingredients For Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe

cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for every 1 cup of cake flour to achieve a similar texture in the cupcakes.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter to maintain the richness and moisture in the cupcakes.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream to add moisture and a tangy flavor to the cupcakes.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk to add a nutty flavor and richness to the cupcakes.

Best Way to Present Festive Yellow Cupcakes

Elevate the cupcake liners: Choose elegant and high-quality cupcake liners to present the cupcakes in a sophisticated manner. Opt for gold or silver foil liners to add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the cupcakes with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to add a visually stunning and gourmet touch to the presentation.
Utilize decorative piping: Pipe the chocolate buttercream onto the cupcakes using a decorative tip to create intricate and visually appealing designs, such as rosettes or swirls, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and opulent presentation, delicately place edible gold leaf on top of the chocolate buttercream to impart a sense of extravagance and elegance.
Serve on a tiered dessert stand: Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand to create a visually striking display, adding height and dimension to the presentation, and allowing the cupcakes to stand out as a centerpiece.

Essential Tools for Baking Delightful Birthday Cupcakes

Cake flour: A finely milled flour made from soft wheat, perfect for creating light and tender cakes.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cupcakes and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes without the added salt.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cupcakes.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cupcakes.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cupcakes with its aromatic and sweet notes.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcake batter.
Chocolate buttercream: A rich and creamy frosting made with butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, perfect for topping the cupcakes.

How To Store and Freeze Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the yellow birthday cupcakes recipe:

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making them soggy.
To store: Place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To freeze unfrosted cupcakes: Place the cooled cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before frosting.
To freeze frosted cupcakes: Place the frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is firm, about 2 hours. Once the frosting is solid, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, unwrap and thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
If you have leftover buttercream frosting, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its creamy texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Cupcakes

To reheat leftover yellow birthday cupcakes, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the cupcakes warm up evenly without drying out or becoming too crispy on the outside.
Place the cupcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you're reheating cupcakes with frosting, make sure to leave some space between each one to prevent the frosting from sticking to adjacent cupcakes.
Before placing the cupcakes in the oven, you can add a small pat of butter on top of each one. This will help keep the cupcakes moist and add a delightful buttery flavor.
If you prefer a softer, more delicate texture, you can loosely cover the cupcakes with aluminum foil. This will trap the heat and moisture, preventing the cupcakes from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the baking sheet with the cupcakes in the preheated oven and reheat for about 5-7 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your cupcakes and how cold they were before reheating.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for about 10-15 seconds. If the cupcake isn't warm enough, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you're reheating cupcakes without frosting, you can also use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cupcakes directly on the wire rack. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Once the cupcakes are reheated, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the temperature to stabilize and prevent any potential burns from the hot cake or frosting.

Random Fact about Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

The yellow birthday cupcakes recipe is a classic treat that can be customized with different frosting and decorations. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted for various occasions, not just birthdays. With a few adjustments, you can create themed cupcakes for holidays, parties, or special events. The addition of chocolate buttercream adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the cupcakes, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Is Making Yellow Birthday Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?

The yellow birthday cupcakes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable option for a special occasion. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its simplicity, flavor, and budget-friendly nature.

Are Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?

This yellow birthday cupcake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its unhealthy status are:

Refined flour (cake flour)
High sugar content (granulated sugar)
Butter (high in saturated fat)
Whole milk (high in fat and calories)
Chocolate buttercream (high in sugar and fat)

These ingredients are common in desserts but offer little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the cake flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content
Reduce the sugar by 1/4 to 1/3 cup and add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract to enhance sweetness
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and reduced fat content
Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce saturated fat
Opt for low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk to decrease fat and calories
Top the cupcakes with a lighter frosting, such as a whipped cream cheese frosting or a fruit-based glaze, to cut down on sugar and fat

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly fine to indulge in a classic yellow birthday cupcake on special occasions.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Birthday Treat

The yellow birthday cupcakes recipe is a classic and delightful choice for any celebration. The combination of cake flour, sour cream, and vanilla extract creates a moist and flavorful cupcake. The addition of chocolate buttercream adds a rich and indulgent touch, making these cupcakes a crowd-pleaser. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, resulting in perfectly baked treats. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for a birthday or any special occasion, and the end result is sure to bring joy to all who indulge in these delightful cupcakes.

Enhance Your Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Create a colorful and flavorful assortment of grilled vegetables on skewers to complement the sweetness of the yellow birthday cupcakes.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory with bacon-wrapped dates as a unique side dish for the yellow birthday cupcakes.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Prepare a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad to provide a light and healthy option alongside the decadent yellow birthday cupcakes.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Garlic parmesan roasted broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. The broccoli is roasted to perfection with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of olive oil for a crispy and flavorful result.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The combination of sweet mango, creamy coconut milk, and chia seeds creates a delicious pudding that is both healthy and delicious.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Yellow Birthday Cupcakes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized appetizers are the perfect way to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, indulgent, and satisfying, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. Serve over a bed of al dente fettuccine for a classic Italian meal that will leave your taste buds singing.

Beef Stir Fry: Create a flavorful and colorful dish with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory stir fry sauce. Serve over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying and balanced meal that is sure to please.

Why trust this Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious yellow birthday cupcakes with its carefully selected ingredients and precise instructions. The use of cake flour and sour cream ensures a tender and moist crumb, while the addition of pure vanilla extract and unsalted butter promises rich and flavorful cupcakes. The inclusion of chocolate buttercream adds a delightful finishing touch. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it has been meticulously crafted to deliver a delightful cupcake experience for any celebratory occasion.

Have you tried this Yellow Birthday Cupcakes Recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your own tips or variations in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for cake flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, as cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a more tender crumb. To substitute, use 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons for every 1¾ cups of cake flour.

Can I make the cupcakes in advance and freeze them?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat milk as a substitute for whole milk in this recipe. However, using whole milk will provide a richer flavor and a slightly more tender texture. If you opt for low-fat milk, the difference will be minimal, and the cupcakes will still turn out delicious.

How can I store the frosted cupcakes?

Once frosted, the cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you need to store them for a longer period, it's best to refrigerate them. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different frosting instead of chocolate buttercream?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests chocolate buttercream, feel free to get creative with your choice of frosting. Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a fruity glaze would all be delightful options to top these yellow birthday cupcakes.