A sweet treat for you to enjoy this Easter

Easter is the perfect excuse to indulge in a sweet treat or two without feeling guilty. And if you’re looking for a tasty treat for you and your friends this Easter, then why not try this quick and simple cup cake recipe courtesy of Kate Malcolm, Head Pastry Chef of Babylon Roof Gardens.

Ingredients (for 12 cupcakes):

• 175g Self-raising flour
• 1tsp Baking powder
• 125g Caster sugar
• 125g Butter
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 lemon zest

Method:

1. Set the oven to 170C, gas 5.
2. Take the butter and sugar and put into a bowl. Start to beat butter and sugar together until they have softened to a light and fluffy mixture in appearance. Once happy with the consistency of the mix add eggs, and continue to whisk. Fold in flour, baking powder, lemon zest and poppy seeds into the mix until  nice smooth
3. Place 12 paper cases into a cake or muffin tin and use a spoon or a spatula to divide the cake mixture evenly between all 12 of the paper cases.
4. Place muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until cupcakes are a light golden colour and have a slight spring to the touch.
5. Remove the tins from the oven. Leave the cupcakes to cool in the tins for a few minutes, then transfer them to a trivet or tray to cool.

Optional steps for Icing

For some extra flare and great taste you might like to add some icing to the cupcakes once they have cooled.

Ingredients:

• 120g Butter
• 250g Icing Sugar
• Lemon Juice
• Food colouring (if desired.)

Method:

1. Beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth.
2. Add the remaining icing sugar and few drops of lemon juice and beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Stir in the food colouring until well combined.
3. Finally to apply the icing simply use a small spoon or spatula, or if you’re feeling like a professional, why not try a piping bag. You can even add a little variety to your cakes and decorate them with some chocolate eggs or sprinkles to give it that extra personal touch.

And there you have it; a quick and easy method for making some yummy snacks to keep you fueled during the Easter holidays. Mary Berry eat your heart out.

At Host, we provide student accommodation with private fully fitted kitchens in our studios and larger kitchen areas in our shared accommodation for you to enjoy and try out your cooking skills. To find out how you can join our thriving student community at Host, please contact us today.