Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 1lb loaf tin, or use a loaf tin liner.

Step 2

Measure the flour, sugar and baking powder in a bowl and stir to combine.

Step 3

Add the butter, eggs and vanilla bean paste. Beat on low speed using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer). Increase the speed once the ingredients have combined, scraping the bottom and sides of your bowl halfway.

Step 4

Spoon the batter into a lined loaf tin (I use loaf tin liners for ease) and level. Bake for 50 minutes (or up to an hour) until the cake is well risen and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean.

Step 5

Beat all the ingredients together until you have a smooth and fluffy buttercream that holds peaks. Pipe or spread the frosting over the cake – make sure it has cooled down completely first!

Step 6

Add sprinkles or whatever decorations you like and serve!