This makes special little cakes, ideal for children’s parties.
Makes 12
Cake tin needed: a 12-hole bun tin
100g (4oz) butter, softened
100g (4oz) caster sugar
2 large eggs
100g (4oz) self-raising flour
1 level tsp baking powder
for the icing
225g (8oz) sifted icing sugar
2–3 tbsp warm water
sweets, to decorate
Step one Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/gas 6. Place fairy cake cases into the bun tin, so that the cakes keep a good even shape as they bake.
Step two Measure all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Fill each paper case with the mixture.
Step three Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cakes are well risen and golden brown. Lift the paper cases out of the bun tin and cool the cakes on a wire rack.
Step four To make the icing, put the icing sugar in a bowl and gradually blend in the warm water until you have a fairly stiff icing. Spoon over the top of the cakes and decorate with sweets, then leave to set.
To make Orange Fairy Cakes, follow the recipe above and add the zest of 1 orange in step 2. To make the icing, gradually blend 225g (8oz) sifted icing sugar with the juice of 1 orange until you have a fairly stiff icing. Spoon over the tops of the cakes.