#NicaBakeOff: Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

Here at Nica HQ we’re all massive fans of the Great British Bake Off, so, in anticipation of watching the new series each week, we've decided to start our own #NicaBakeOff!

Each Wednesday, a member of Nica HQ will be sharing one of their delicious recipes with you right here upon our blog. Plus you can keep up with all of our bakes and sweet inspirations by following our new #NicaBakeOff Pinterest board! 

So, first up we’re beginning our bake off with some delicious vanilla flavoured cupcakes finished with vanilla butter icing. They’re super easy to make and only take around 40 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 medium beaten eggs

75g self-raising flour

110g caster sugar

110g butter

2 – 3 drops Madagascan vanilla extract 

For the Butter Icing:

2 to 3 drops Madagascan vanilla extract
175g icing sugar
75g unsalted butter 
chocolate sprinkles

Step by Step 

1) Pre-heat oven to gas mark 4.

2) Beat 2 medium eggs in a bowl.

3) Mix together the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon.

4) Gradually mix in the beaten eggs.

5) Add the Vanilla extract.

6) Take a metal spoon and fold in the flour.

7) Place spoonfuls of the mixture into cupcake wrappers. 

8) Bake in the oven until golden brown and firm to the touch for around 15 to 20 minutes. 

9) Leave to cool before decorating with cream.

10) For the cream, mix together the unsalted butter with the icing, and add in the vanilla extract until the mixture is light and spreadable. If desired, add in some water until you achieve your preferred consistency.

11) Spread the cream upon the cooled cupcakes, and top with a dash of chocolate sprinkles. 

Et voilà! That's how easy it is. Have you been inspired by our baking? If so, why not show us your bakes by tagging us @Nica_Handbags on Twitter or @nicahandbags on Instagram. We can't wait to see.