Cupcakes are timeless!
When my kids were younger, decorated themed cakes were a big hit at birthday parties. As they got older these cakes were not a novelty anymore. Cupcakes small and large took over and now are themed in several varieties to suit the flavour of the occasion.
Here is my all time favourite and most often made cake, a pure and simple vanilla with a buttercream icing.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups sifted cake & pastry flour
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup soft butter
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Frosting:
2 cup soft butter
6 cups sifted icing sugar
4 Tbsp whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
In large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add soft butter, milk and vanilla. Mix to blend ingredients lightly, then beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Add eggs and beat a few minutes longer at medium speed. Spread batter evenly in prepared (greased and floured) pans.
Bake at 350F :
25 to 35 minutes for layers
40 to 45 minutes for rectangular (9 x 13)
20 minutes for cupcakes (makes 24)
Cool 5 minutes in pan before turning out onto cooling racks.
Mix ingredients for frosting and decorate with icing tip or spread with a knife.
Tips:
Make sure that the butter is room temperature soft.
Follow cake steps as listed, it does make a difference to the end product.
For a smaller amount of icing half the ingredients.
