Fairy cake cupcakes, known for their charmingly small size and delightful flavors, are a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthday parties to afternoon tea. These miniature wonders are simple to make and offer a touch of magic to your culinary creations. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to whip up a batch of enchanting fairy cake cupcakes.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 125g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 125g (1 cup) self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) icing sugar, sifted
- 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- Food colouring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake cases. This recipe makes approximately 12 fairy cake cupcakes.
2. Mixing the Cupcake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Adding the Flour: Gently fold in the self-raising flour using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour is fully incorporated. If the batter seems a little thick, add the milk and gently mix until smooth.
4. Filling the Cupcake Cases: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the cupcake batter evenly among the cupcake cases. Fill each case to about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
5. Baking the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
6. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Preparing the Buttercream Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If desired, add a few drops of food colouring to achieve your preferred shade.
8. Frosting the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spoon to frost each cupcake with the buttercream. You can get creative with different piping tips to create beautiful designs.
9. Decorate with Magic: To add a touch of fairy magic, consider decorating your cupcakes with edible glitter, colourful sprinkles, or even small edible flowers.
10. Enjoy the Enchantment: Your delightful fairy cake cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a whimsical treat with a cup of tea.
These fairy cake cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to faces young and old. Their delicate size and enchanting flavour make them a charming addition to any dessert spread. So, gather your ingredients and unleash your inner fairy baker to create these delightful treats that will surely sprinkle a bit of magic into your day!