Pretty Vanilla Cupcakes

1. 1

   Preheat oven to gas 4, 180C, fan 160C Line a 12-hole bun tin with cupcake cases.

2. 2

   Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric beater until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. 3

   Beat in the eggs one by one and then beat in the flour and vanilla extract, plus a pinch of salt.

4. 4

   The mixture should fall easily off your spoon; add a drop of milk if it is too stiff.

5. 5

   Put the mixture into the cupcake cases.

6. 6

   Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cakes have risen and are firm.

7. 7

   As soon as you can, lift out of their tins and cool on a wire rack.

8. 8

   For the icing, beat the butter until it's soft, then beat in the icing sugar until you have a soft buttercream.

9. 9

   Divide the mixture into 3 portions, and colour each one pale pink, green, or yellow.

10. 10

    Ice the cakes with the different colours, either using a palette knife or piping it on.

11. 11

    Decorate with the pearl swirls or silver balls, or decorations of your choice.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.