These cakes were created by Ren for a Royal Jubilee. They’re perfect for any celebration tea – decorate in keeping with your own party. 

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 160°C. Line a 12-hole and 6-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
• Mix the caster sugar and butter together in a stand mixer or using an electric whisk, for around 5-7 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and gently mix between each addition.
• Stir in the ground almonds and milk and mix. Sift in the flour and gently mix with a metal spoon until incorporated.
• Divide the mixture into cupcake cases, up to about two thirds full. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a cocktail stick comes out clean. Take out and leave to cool fully before icing.
• To make the butter cream icing, beat the butter for 2-3 minutes until pale, add the strawberry flavouring or vanilla extract and then slowly add the icing sugar until it is incorporated to make a thick butter cream.
• Pipe the butter cream onto the cakes and decorate.

renbehan

First published in The JC May 31 2012