Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 175g unsalted butter, softened
• 175g caster sugar
• 3 large free-range eggs
• 175g self-raising flour, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (full-fat milk)
• For the frosting:
• 150g unsalted butter, softened
• 300g icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gently fold in the flour and vanilla extract, adding milk to reach a smooth, dropping consistency. Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake cases.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
5. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake.