Vanilla cupcakes

I promised my girls we would make cupcakes over the school holidays so with 8 days to go, I snuck it in just in time.  We always have fun making cupcakes and the kitchen ends up covered in powdered sugar which is a tell-tale sign of fun in my books.

I'm sure most of you are in the same boat when it comes to cake decorating with the under 5 bracket... the more sprinkles the better, right?!  So I think I did well to sneak out three for myself to decorate for the blog today and perhaps even to share with others - those who aren't interested in a cupcake decorated with a heavily licked spoon!

These days so much comes out of box, I implore you to give these a go.  You should be able to do it all in one bowl if you're using a kitchen aid type mixer and they taste heavenly.  

Makes 24

Ingredients:
200g (7 oz) butter, softened
1 3/4 cups caster sugar (bakers sugar)
1 1/2 tspn vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 3/4 cups plain flour
2 tspn baking soda
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Butter Frosting:
200g (7 oz) butter, softened
6 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup milk
food coloring if desired

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180'C / 350'F
• Line muffin tray with paper cases, or use strong cupcake cases on a baking tray. Spray inside of cases with a little cooking spray
• Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla in an electric mixer until white and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beat until combined
• Add the flour and milk/oil alternately until combined
• Spoon mixture evenly in cases, approx 2/3 full.
• Bake for 15-20mins until cooked through and golden brown
• Remove and place on a cake rack to cool completely
• To make the frosting, using the mixer cream the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and milk while beating.  Either separate icing into small bowls and add different colors as desired or make one color for all cupcakes.