Easy Peasy Cupcakes.
Updated: Aug 16, 2021
In my very first blog post, I would like to share with you just how easy it is to make a simple yet very tasty cupcake.
If you're new to baking or always fancied giving it a go, but didn't know where to start, this is the perfect recipe for you. This is also great for those of you who already like to bake, and just want a simple, go-to cupcake.
First of all, you'll need some basic equipment.
Set of kitchen scales
4 small bowls for measuring ingredients (any bowls or Tupperware will do)
Mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
12 hole muffin tin
Cupcake cases
If you have a hand mixer or stand up mixer then this will make the job a little easier, but don't worry if you don't. I will show you how to make perfect cupcakes mixing by hand.
STEP 1 - Pre heat oven
Before you start weighing out your ingredients, turn on your oven and make sure you have a shelf in the middle of the oven as your cupcakes will cook best here. Set your oven to Gas Mark 4, or 180 degrees C (170 C for fan assisted ovens). Close the door and allow your oven to come up to temperature while you weigh and mix your ingredients.
STEP 2 - Weigh out your ingredients
A quick couple of tips about the ingredients before we weigh them out. If you store your eggs in the fridge take them out a little while before, a couple of hours if possible, also do the same to your butter or margarine. This is because cold eggs can cause your batter to curdle and cold butter/margarine can restrict your batter from rising.
Right, lets get weighing
To make 12 cupcakes you're going to need the following 5 basic ingredients:
175 grams self raising flour
175 grams of caster sugar
175 grams or soft margarine or butter ( I prefer to use Stork when making cupcakes)
3 large eggs (at room temperature)
Half teaspoon (tsp) of vanilla extract (not essential however, it does enhance the flavour of your finished cupcake).
For a simple buttercream frosting you will need:
125 grams of unsalted butter
250 grams of icing sugar.
1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional)
Once your ingredients are weighed out its time to start mixing.
STEP 3 - Mixing your ingredients
First of all, cream your margarine and sugar
Place the margarine and sugar in your mixing bowl and beat them together with your spatula or wooden spoon until they are well combined.
Next, add the eggs
Add the eggs into the creamed margarine and sugar mix, one at a time, beating each egg in until fully mixed.
Then add the flour
Add the flour to the mixture and combine until the batter is smooth and you can no longer see any flour.
Finally, add Vanilla extract (optional)
Stir the vanilla extract into the mixture until no longer visible.
STEP 4 - Fill your cases
Place one cupcake cake into each of the 12 holes and fill each case with your mixed batter. You can use your spatula or wooden spoon, however, I find it easier to use a dessert spoon as this helps for a more even distribution between the 12 cases. If there is any mixture left in the bowl, evenly distribute this between the cupcake cases.
STEP 5 - Bake
Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes. When the cupcakes are ready they will be golden in colour and well risen (resist the urge to open the oven door for a sneak peak whilst they are baking as this will effect the temperature of your oven). After 20 minutes, have a check to see if they are done. Another way of checking they are fully baked is by putting a skewer into the middle of one of the cakes then pulling it out, if it comes out clean (no cake stuck to it), they are ready. If not, pop back in for a few more minutes until ready.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow to cool for about 20-30 minutes.
STEP 6 - Frosting
Cream the butter in a large bowl for about 5 minutes with your spatula or wooden spoon. (This step is much quicker if using an electric whisk/mixer). When fully mixed it should be nice and smooth and creamy. Next add half the icing sugar 125g, and beat vigorously. When fully combined, add the final 125g and again mix until smooth. Spread a small amount of buttercream onto each cupcake using a spoon or knife and if you wish, you can add any additional garnishes for taste or decoration, such as strawberry's, chocolates, sprinkles, the options are endless.
