Baking Basics

This is the most basic chocolate cupcake recipe.

It is the simplest, easiest and fastest to make, and is a base cupcake that works for any frosting or decorating you wish to carry out. These basics are a must have in every repertoire of baking recipes. Once done and completely cooled, you can top with your choice of frosting (recipe links below). You can also top the frosting with chocolate shavings, rainbow sprinkles or even fruit toppings…. The possibilities are endless.

Since we are talking basics, and when it comes to cupcakes, a basic know how is how to fill a cupcake cup with batter and how much of it. So I have included for you a fun video that tackles just that along with many fun links at the end. 

Enjoy.

Ingredients

Serves: 12

2 eggs

125g butter, softened

125g caster sugar

95g self-raising flour, sifted

30g unsweetened 100% cocoa powder, sifted

1 tsp vanilla essence or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean

Preheat your oven to 350F/180C.

Line 12 muffin holes with baking paper cups and set aside.

Pour all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until the ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Divide the mixture into the lined 12 muffin holes (fill each ¾ full).

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted at the centre comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let them set in the pan for 3 minutes. Turn on a wire rack and cool completely before spreading with cream.

If you are going to frost or decorate your cupcakes, make sure to cool them completely before doing so.

 

The next time you are planning a kids birthday party, why not include cupcake decoration as an activity?

The kids can decorate the cupcakes as they like, and if these cupcakes are placed in nice looking boxes, they can be given as a party favour. All you need to do is bake the cupcakes ahead of time, create a cake decorating area of tables and chairs and top the tables with bowls of frosting, and bowls of assorted toppers (fruits, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, gummy bears, jelly beans…).

What fun!

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