How To: Vanilla Cupcakes

Hey guys!! To celebrate the Great British Bake Off starting yesterday, I thought I would write a post about how I make vanilla cupcakes!! (Note: The image isn't a cupcake I've made.. They all got eaten before I could take a photo!)

Ingredients: (makes 24 cupcakes)

• 8oz (225g) caster sugar
• 8oz (225g) softened butter or margarine
• 4 eggs (preferably free range because animal welfare and stuff!)
• 8oz (225g) of self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 175°C. Place 24 muffin cases into your cupcake/muffin tins, or on a baking tray, I guess.. 
2. Put the sugar and butter into a large mixing bowl and mix until smooth and creamy. (Make sure you get lots of air in during this stage and the next for extra-fluffy cupcakes!!)
3. Add the egg one at a time. (I usually put them all in a separate bowl and beat them first, then add it gradually). If the mixture curdles, then add a little flour, and mix it in. 
4. Fold in the flour and baking powder carefully. It's important not to mix too violently, as you don't want to knock out any of the air that you incorporated previously. Make sure all of the flour is incorporated, though!!
5. Add the vanilla essence and gently stir it in.
6. Spoon the mixture into the cases, making sure they all have an equal amount in. Put in the oven for 20 minutes, or until they are a golden colour, and cooked in the centre. 

Then you can decorate them!! I usually make buttercream by creaming together butter and icing sugar, with a little water, and decorate with sprinkles, but you could buy some icing, or do whatever! Have fun and be creative!!

If you make these cupcakes, I'd love to see them!! You could put a picture in the comments section, share this recipe on your blog with your own photo, or tweet me, @dottieg_123

Bye for now!!
- Dottie.