Valentine’s Day Cupcake Recipe

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend – you can’t have missed that one!

Whilst we think about lovers and partners when we think of Valentine’s Day, why not take time to make your children feel special –particularly if you do not live with them full time. Send or give them a card that says “I love you” - and give it with a hug.

Valentine's Day has become a day to celebrate your love with wonderful goodies of every kind.  Cupcakes are a great way to spread the love to a lot of people. They offer each person an individual treat to enjoy. The recipe below would be an easy one for older children to make –or you can assist the younger ones. Most children love baking – and it is a fun way of doing something together on a cold February day - and you end up with something good to eat.

Valentine’s Day Easy Cupcake recipe

This recipe makes twelve cakes and uses ounces and grams rather than the traditional US cups from which the cakes get their name.

Ingredients:

• 5 oz (150g) butter - softened
• 5 oz (150g) caster sugar
• 6 oz (175g) self-raising flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). 

2. Line a 12 cup cake pan, with cupcake papers.

3. Crack the eggs into a cup and beat lightly with a fork.

4. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.

5. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the cake cases.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until risen and firm to touch.

8. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.

9. Allow to cool fully before icing.

Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients for 12 cakes

• 5 oz (150g) butter - softened
• 8 oz (250g) icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence or extract
• 2 tsp hot water

Method

1. Beat together the butter and sugar with an electric beater.

2. Once well combined, add the vanilla and water. Beat until smooth and creamy.

And now for the fun part:

Even quite young children can help with this.

Use red sweets, gummy lips, red gel icing or sliced strawberries to give your cupcakes a Valentine theme.

Then give one to someone you love –and sit back and wait for the compliments !