Can you make vanilla cupcakes without vanilla bean?

Yes, cake can be made without vanilla, but the cake will be rather dull. One should add some other flavoring element, such as a teaspoon of brandy, rum or some other spirit. Chopped citrus peel (only the colored part, not the white pith) or spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger (half teaspoon of each, alone or combined) would also add flavor and interest to the cake.