Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark Line a 12-hole bun tin with cupcake cases. To make the cakes, put butter and caster sugar into a large bowl. Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract. Sift over flour, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.

Step 2

Beat ingredients together using an electric hand whisk, then divide mixture among cases. Bake for 15-20min until firm and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 3

To make buttercream, put the butter, icing sugar and milk into a large bowl and beat with the electric hand whisk. Spread over cooled cakes and serve.