Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 8.8 oz unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 5 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 orange zest
- 1.5 cups self-raising flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 cups ground almonds
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Frosting
- 8.8 oz unsalted butter
- 17.6 oz sifted icing sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (if necessary to loosen the mixture)
- Your favourite natural colourings
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Tins: Heat your oven to 180ºC (or 160ºC for fan-assisted). Line one or two muffin tins with 15 muffin cases to get started.
- Melt Butter: Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, taking care to check every 10 seconds if microwaving. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, plain yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is even and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the self-raising flour, brown sugar, ground almonds, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the orange zest and stir gently to combine, then create a well in the center.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and mix well until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Fill Muffin Cases: Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin case, filling to no more than two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the butter until fluffy (about 5 minutes, starting at low speed). Gradually add half the sifted icing sugar and combine well. Add the remaining sugar and mix again. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Add Colours: Divide the buttercream into separate bowls and add your chosen natural colourings a few drops at a time to achieve vibrant, controlled shades. Mix each colour thoroughly.
- Pipe Decorations: Place each coloured buttercream into piping bags fitted with your chosen nozzles. Pipe simple rosettes or intricate flower designs atop each cooled cupcake as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
- Filling the cupcake cases two-thirds full avoids overflow while baking.
- Use natural food colourings for vibrant and healthier frosting colors.
- Buttercream consistency can be adjusted with milk, added gradually.
- Experiment with different piping nozzles for varied floral designs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian