Mary Berry Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Mary Berry's Vanilla Cupcakes are a delightful British classic, embodying the simplicity and elegance of traditional British baking. These cupcakes are known for their light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, topped with a beautifully swirled, two-toned icing that adds a touch of elegance and taste to each bite. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels, making it a great choice for afternoon tea, celebrations, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Cupcakes

To make these cupcakes, you'll need:

• For the Cupcake Batter:
  • 175g of butter, room temperature
  • 175g of self-raising flour
  • 175g of caster sugar
  • 0.5 tsp of baking powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
• For the Icing:
  • 175g of butter, room temperature
  • 0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp of milk
  • 350g of icing sugar, sifted
  • 1-3 drops of pink edible colouring
• To Decorate:
  • Edible pink hearts or other sprinkles

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven and lining a muffin tin with cupcake cases.
2. Making the Batter: Combine all batter ingredients in a large bowl, mixing until smooth. Distribute the mixture evenly among the cases.
3. Baking: Bake until the cupcakes are well risen and golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack afterward.
4. Icing: For the icing, start by mixing butter, vanilla extract, milk, and icing sugar. Divide the icing to color half pink, then fill a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, using both colors for a swirly effect.
5. Decorating: Finally, pipe the icing onto the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with decorations.

Storage and Reheating

To keep the cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Avoid stacking to preserve the icing. For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes without icing and thaw at room temperature before serving​​.

Nutritional Information

Each cupcake contains approximately 465 calories, with 16g of saturated fat and 10g of unsaturated fat. This makes them a treat best enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use alternative icing colors? Yes, feel free to experiment with different colors. Just remember to add the color gradually to achieve the desired shade.
• How can I ensure my cupcakes are fluffy? Make sure your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to blend more easily. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and airy​​.

In summary, Mary Berry's Vanilla Cupcakes are a quintessential British treat that combines simplicity with elegance. They are perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful cupcakes that are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Original recipe by Mary Berry, as featured on LoveFood and Rachel's Recipe Pantry​​​​.