Vanilla Cupcake

A vanilla cupcake is a small, individual-sized cake with a light, tender crumb, typically flavored with vanilla extract and often topped with frosting. Its core ingredients include flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla, and it's a staple of American home baking and celebrations. Originating from the broader tradition of 19th-century cupcakes, it became a cultural icon in the United States.

🍳 View the full Vanilla Cupcake recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dessert is high in carbohydrates and fat, with minimal protein, and provides a quick energy boost primarily from sugars and refined flour. A standard unfrosted vanilla cupcake contains roughly 150-250 calories, while a frosted version can range from 250 to 400 calories per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0.3 g
Sugar	15 g
Sodium	150 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Vitamin A	20 µg
Vitamin D	0.2 µg
Vitamin B12	0.1 µg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Magnesium	5 mg

Per 1 cupcake (approx. 50 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the vanilla cupcake is a symbol of nostalgia and celebration, often associated with childhood birthdays and community events. Nutritionally, it highlights the contrast between the 'empty calories' of a sugary treat and the role of small, joyful indulgences in a balanced lifestyle.