Convert your favorite layer cake recipe into a cupcake recipe with these five easy steps from our Test Kitchen.

In fact, the preparation is the exact same.

Add the sugar and mix to cream together.

vanilla cupcakes with sprinkles

Credit:BHG/Cara Cormack

Be sure not to overbeat (you’ll know you have if the butter starts to separate).

Next, add the eggs and flavorings, likevanilla extract, and beat them into the butter-sugar mixture.

In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder).

ingredients for making vanilla cake and cupcakes

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Try using ourbuttercream frosting recipe(and its many flavor variations!)

for a classic cupcake look.

mixing in raw eggs to cake batter

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

lined muffin pan

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

cupcake liners filled with cake batter

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

cooling baked vanilla cupcakes on wire rack

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

vanilla cupcakes with frosting on pink platter

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack