Valentine’s Day is all about the love, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of yummy cupcakes. This is my favourite cupcake recipe because they are super easy, and there’s not much that can go wrong. Cupcakes are simple, sweet and very much in vogue. They can easily be decorated to suit any occasion, or win any heart. Try topping your cupcakes with butter frosting and finishing them off with heart-shaped sprinkles, lollies, edible glitter or anything else that tickles your fancy. You can find some amazing decorating bits and bobs on http://www.cakestuff.co.nz
Whipped Vanilla Cupcakes
225 g softened butter
225 g caster sugar
225 g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
Pre-heat oven to 175oC and line a cupcake pan with 24 paper cases. Place all ingredients into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes. These cupcakes need to be whipped until the mixture turns pale and smooth to ensure fluffy, light cupcakes. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake papers and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Try not to peek for the first ten minutes or your cakes may sink in the middle. Cool the cupcakes in the tray for a few minutes then transfer onto a wire rack. These are best enjoyed within three days of baking.
You can halve this recipe easily to make a smaller batch, or use a smaller cupcake tin to make smaller cakes, the cooking time will be a few minutes less, just keep an eye on them.
Butter Frosting
125g softened butter
1 ½ cup icing sugar
A few drops of food colouring (optional) or tablespoons of cocoa for chocolate frosting
Beat butter with an electric mixer and beat until the butter is almost white, slowly add icing sugar while beating until frosting reaches desired consistency. Put in a piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes or simply spread on with a knife. If using a knife, dip it in a cup of very hot water between cupcakes to make for easy spreading!