What is the function of vanilla in cupcakes?

Flavor enhancer:

- Vanilla extract enhances and complements other flavors in your cupcakes, making them more complex and delicious.

Uniting agent:

- It helps to blend the ingredients together, contributing to the overall taste experience.

Aromatic characteristic:

- Gives cupcakes a pleasant and characteristic aroma, making them smell inviting and appetizing.

Sweetener:

- Vanilla extract imparts a mild sweetness to the cupcakes, providing a well-rounded flavor profile.

Balancing bitterness:

- In the case of chocolate or coffee cupcakes, vanilla extract helps to balance out any bitter notes, resulting in a more harmonious taste.

Custard-like taste:

- Some describe the flavor contributed by vanilla as having a custard-like quality.