Decorate these easy vanilla cupcakes with buttercream and the topping of your choice. They’re super-simple to make and taste divine – great as a teatime treat
Prep:40 mins
Serves 6 – 12
For the cupcake mixture120g butter, softened120g caster sugar2 egg1 tsp vanilla extract120g self-raising flour
STEP 1Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.STEP 2Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and mix into the butter mixture along with the vanilla extract.STEP 3Fold in the flour, adding a little milk until the mixture is of a dropping consistency. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until they are three quarters full.STEP 4Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden-brown on top and a skewer inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes. Then place on a wire rack.STEP 5For the buttercream icing, beat the butter until soft. Add half the icing sugar and beat until smooth.STEP 6Add the remaining icing sugar with 1 tbsp milk, adding more milk if necessary, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add food colouring (optional) and mix well.STEP 7Spoon the buttercream into a piping bag and add a nozzle of your choice. Pipe in a swirl motion and then enjoy!
