my first cupcake.

so, recently I had the pleasure of teaching a group of eleven year old girls. They were lovely and sweet and I heard rumors that on my last day they were going to surprise me with a lunch time party!

I know that the cupcake craze has been around for a lil while now, and I too wander past the bakeries marveling at how a lil piece of cake can tug at my heart strings so; but I have never felt the need to try myself. Until now. I turned the kitchen into a cupcake production line and had the most fun!

The following is the recipe I used; they were lovely if a lil on the dry side (that is probably more to do with running out of vanilla essence and butter, than fault with the recipe itself!), but the icing was the best part of all- and soo simple. So, as follows:

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Preheat oven to 180 degrees (Celsius)
Line a 12 cupcake pan with assorted color cups

Ingredients
150g softened butter
150g caster sugar
175g self raising flour
3 eggs
2 Tbsp coco powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

* crack eggs into a bowl and beat lightly with a fork
* place all ingredients in a large bowl and beat for two minutes (or until light and fluffy)
* divide the mixture evenly into prepared trays
* bake for 18- 20 minutes until they have risen and are firm to touch
* cool for a few minutes and then transfer onto a wire rack; allow to cool fully before icing!

Vanilla Icing

Ingredients

150g softened butter

250g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla essence

2 tsp hot water

* beat butter and sugar

* when well combined add vanilla and water

* beat until smooth and creamy

I then added colored sprinkles and the most delicious raspberry jelly lollies, the were fragrant and soft and melted in your mouth!

enjoy xox