How to Make Cupcakes

Ingredients

CUPCAKES

• 125g/4½oz butter, softened
• 125g/4½oz caster/superfine sugar
• 1tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 Eggs
• 150g/5oz Plain Flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder

ICING (optional): Makes about 325g/11.5oz

• 100g/3½oz butter, softened
• 200g/7oz icing sugar/confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp milk or water
• A few drops of food coloring (optional)

Alternate Method

• 100g (1/2 cup) of caster sugar
• 100g (4/5 cup) of self raising flour
• 100g (7/8 stick) of unsalted butter or margarine
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla essence
• 12g (4 teaspoons) icing sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons of water

EditSteps

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Line a 12-hole cupcake tin with 12 paper cases.
2. 2
   Cream the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. 3
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating continuously, then sift in the flour (and baking powder if using).
4. 4
   Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases using a teaspoon.
5. 5
   Bake in the oven for 8-12 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.
6. 6
   Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool.
7. 7
   FOR THE ICING:
8. 8
   Place the butter in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until very soft.
9. 9
   Add the sifted icing/confectioners sugar and a drop of milk/water until smooth.
10. 10
    Add your desired food coloring if using, and beat until it is all colored evenly.
11. 11
    Spread over the cooled cupcakes.
12. 12
    If you want, add sprinkles or chopped nuts for a festive and delicious look.
13. 13
    You're done! Enjoy!

Alternate Method

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 350ºF, or gas mark 4.
2. 2
   Measure out all the ingredients.
3. 3
   Get a clean mixing bowl and put the butter or margarine and sugar into it.
4. 4
   Mix them together using a wooden spoon or an electric whisk until light and fluffy.
5. 5
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well in-between putting each one in.
6. 6
   Add the vanilla essence.
7. 7
   Sieve in the flour and add the baking powder.
8. 8
   Fold the flour and baking powder until the mixture is all one colour.
9. 9
   Put 12 cupcakes cases into a cupcake baking tray.
10. 10
    Put the mixture evenly into all 12 cases making sure all the mixture possible is out of the bowl into the cases.
11. 11
    Using oven gloves put them in the oven.
12. 12
    After 15 minutes, check if they are ready by checking if they are a light-ish brown colour on top.
13. 13
    To make the icing, mix the icing sugar with the water.

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