Delicate Lavender Dream Cupcakes
Elevate your dessert table with these enchanting Delicate Lavender Dream Cupcakes, inspired by the culinary genius Nigella Lawson and paying homage to the Lavender Trust charity. Perfectly fluffy and imbued with the calming essence of lavender and vanilla, these cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful feast for the eyes. Lavished with a pale violet icing that drizzles gracefully down the sides and garnished with fragrant lavender flowers, these cupcakes are ideal for gifting, celebratory high teas, summer picnics, and charming parties. With their whimsical appearance and delightful flavor, they are sure to impress guests and loved ones alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
self-raising flour
125 g (sifted)
unsalted butter
125 g (very soft)
lavender and vanilla sugar
125 g (prepared (recipe #219416))
eggs
2 (large, at room temperature)
milk
3 tablespoons (at room temperature)
icing sugar
125 g (sifted)
warm water
1 tablespoon (for icing)
violet food coloring
to taste (for icing)
lavender flowers
to garnish (fresh or dried)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (gas mark 6) and line a 12-bun cupcake tin with paper cases to prepare for baking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted self-raising flour, very soft unsalted butter, lavender and vanilla sugar, and the eggs. Use a hand-held mixer to beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until well combined and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the milk to the mixture, blending until you achieve a smooth batter consistency. Ensure not to overmix.
4
Evenly distribute the fairy cake batter into the lined cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The cupcakes are done when they have risen, are golden brown, and spring back when lightly pressed.
6
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, combine the sifted icing sugar with the warm water. Gradually stir in violet food coloring until you reach your desired pale violet shade. The icing should be smooth and slightly runny.
8
Once the cupcakes are cooled, generously drizzle the icing over each cupcake. Don't worry if it drips down the sides; it's part of their charm!
9
Before the icing sets, top each cupcake with a charming sprig of lavender to enhance their beauty.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Lavender Dream Cupcakes?
They are enchanting cupcakes inspired by Nigella Lawson, featuring the calming essence of lavender and vanilla with a pale violet icing.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary genius Nigella Lawson.
What charity does this recipe pay homage to?
These cupcakes pay homage to the Lavender Trust charity.
What are the primary flavors in these cupcakes?
The cupcakes are imbued with the delicate and calming essence of lavender and sweet vanilla.
How many cupcakes does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed for a standard 12-bun cupcake tin.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 200 degrees Celsius or gas mark 6.
What type of flour is needed?
The recipe requires 125 grams of sifted self-raising flour.
What kind of butter should be used?
You should use 125 grams of very soft unsalted butter.
What type of sugar is used in the cupcake batter?
The recipe calls for 125 grams of prepared lavender and vanilla sugar.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires two large eggs.
What should be the temperature of the eggs and milk?
Both the eggs and the milk should be at room temperature for optimal mixing.
How much milk is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of milk.
How long should you beat the initial batter mixture?
The flour, butter, sugar, and eggs should be beaten for about 2-3 minutes until well combined and fluffy.
What tool is recommended for mixing the batter?
A hand-held mixer is recommended for beating the cupcake mixture.
How full should the cupcake cases be filled?
Each paper case should be filled about two-thirds full to allow room for the cakes to rise.
What is the approximate baking time for the cupcakes?
The cupcakes should bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
How can you tell when the cupcakes are done?
They are finished when they have risen, are golden brown, and spring back when lightly pressed.
How long should cupcakes cool in the tin before moving them?
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
Where should the cupcakes cool completely?
After the initial cooling in the tin, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
How much icing sugar is needed for the decoration?
The icing requires 125 grams of sifted icing sugar.
What is the liquid used to make the icing?
One tablespoon of warm water is used to create the icing.
What food coloring is used for the cupcakes?
Violet food coloring is used to achieve the desired pale violet shade.
What is the desired consistency of the icing?
The icing should be smooth and slightly runny so it can drizzle gracefully down the sides.
How should the icing be applied to the cupcakes?
The icing should be generously drizzled over each cooled cupcake.
What garnish is used to top the cupcakes?
Each cupcake is topped with a charming sprig of lavender flowers.
Can I use dried lavender for the garnish?
Yes, you can use either fresh or dried lavender flowers as a garnish.
When should the lavender garnish be added?
The lavender sprig should be added before the icing sets.
For what occasions are these cupcakes ideal?
They are perfect for gifting, high teas, summer picnics, and charming parties.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, both the self-raising flour and the icing sugar should be sifted for a smooth texture.
What is the general appearance of the finished cupcakes?
They have a whimsical appearance with pale violet icing dripping down the sides and a lavender sprig on top.