Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes with Fresh Strawberries

Step 1

Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Place cupcake cases into the holes of two 12-hole muffin trays.

Step 2

Place the butter, caster sugar, salt and vanilla extract into a bowl.

Step 3

Beat together with a stand-mixer or hand-held beaters until pale and fluffy.

Step 4

Add the eggs to a separate bowl and beat together lightly.

Step 5

Slowly add the egg mixture to the butter mixture while continuing to beat.

Step 6

When all of the egg mixture has been completely combined with the butter mixture, sift in the self raising flour and stir with a spoon until just combined (don't over combine).

Step 7

Place the cupcake mixture into the cupcake cases - filling them to 2/3 full.

Step 8

Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden and when they spring back when touched in the centre (if you're making mini cupcakes, reduce the cooking time slightly).

Step 9

Leave cupcakes in the baking trays for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

To make the icing, beat the butter in a bowl until pale and fluffy (approximately 5 minutes).

Step 11

Slowly add the icing sugar mixture, milk and vanilla extract and continue to beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 12

Ice cupcakes when they have completely cooled and place a fresh strawberry into the frosting.

Step 13

Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Place cupcake cases into the holes of two 12-hole muffin trays.

Step 14

Place sugar and butter into the TM bowl and and mix for 15 seconds, Speed 5.

Step 15

Add the eggs, salt, vanilla extract and self-raising flour and mix for 15 seconds, Speed Scrape down sides of mixing bowl with spatula, then mix for a further 10 seconds, Speed 5.

Step 16

Place the cupcake mixture into the cupcake cases - filling them to 2/3 full. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden and when they spring back when touched in the centre (if you're making mini cupcakes, they will need slightly less cooking time).

Step 17

Leave cupcakes in the baking trays for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 18

To make the icing, place the icing sugar into the TM bowl and mix for 10 seconds on Speed 9.

Step 19

Add the butter, milk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix for 30 seconds on Speed 4.

Step 20

Spread icing over cooled cupcakes and place a fresh strawberry into the frosting.