Festive Sparkle Fairy Cupcakes
Transform your holiday gatherings with these Festive Sparkle Fairy Cupcakes, a delightful twist on the childhood classic. Bursting with charm and cheer, these mini treats are perfect for Christmas celebrations. Each cupcake is light and fluffy, infused with a hint of vanilla that makes every bite a nostalgic journey back to simpler times. Adorned with beautifully crafted fondant icing snowflakes and a dazzling dusting of edible glitter, these cupcakes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also add a splash of festive color to your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, packing them for lunches, or simply enjoying a cozy coffee break, these cupcakes will bring joy and artistry to every occasion. Easy to make yet stunning to present, they’re a sure way to impress friends and family this holiday season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
softened butter
125 g (softened to room temperature)
caster sugar
125 g (none)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)
self-raising flour
125 g (sifted)
milk
2 tablespoons (none)
icing sugar
125 g (for icing)
water
as needed (to mix with icing sugar)
ready-to-roll fondant
150 g (for decoration)
edible glitter
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) or Gas mark 5. Prepare your baking tin - use either a 12-hole tartlet tin for mini cakes or a 12-hole muffin tin for larger cakes. Line with paper cases to add flair and prevent sticking, or butter the tins if you prefer not to use cases.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth batter. Follow with the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4
Sift half of the self-raising flour into the mixture and gently fold it in. Add the milk followed by the remaining flour, folding carefully until well combined, but avoid over-mixing.
5
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared tin, filling each case approximately two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and spring back when lightly touched.
6
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7
Prepare the icing by mixing the icing sugar with a small amount of water until you achieve a soft drizzle consistency. For added flavor, consider incorporating a dash of vanilla extract.
8
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, generously drizzle the icing over the tops, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
9
Roll out the ready-to-roll fondant icing on a surface dusted with icing sugar to prevent sticking, then use festive cutters to create charming shapes. Place a fondant piece on each iced cupcake.
10
Finish by sprinkling edible glitter over the cupcakes, creating a shimmering effect. Arrange your beautifully decorated cupcakes on a festive serving plate and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Sparkle Fairy Cupcakes?
These cupcakes are a festive holiday variation of the classic fairy cake, featuring a light vanilla-infused sponge, fondant icing shapes, and edible glitter.
What ingredients are needed for the cupcake batter?
You will need 125g of softened butter, 125g of caster sugar, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 125g of self-raising flour, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 190°C, 375°F, or Gas mark 5.
What type of baking tin is best for these cupcakes?
You can use a 12-hole tartlet tin for mini cakes or a 12-hole muffin tin for larger cakes.
How do I prepare the tin before baking?
Line the tin with paper cases to add flair and prevent sticking, or simply butter the tins if you prefer not to use cases.
What is the first step in mixing the batter?
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
How should I incorporate the eggs into the mixture?
Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking continuously to ensure the batter remains smooth.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract for flavor right after you have successfully whisked the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture.
How should the self-raising flour be added?
Sift half of the flour into the mixture and gently fold it in, then add the milk followed by the remaining flour, folding carefully until combined.
Why is it important to avoid over-mixing the batter?
Avoiding over-mixing ensures that the cupcakes remain light and fluffy rather than becoming dense or tough.
How much batter should I put into each cupcake case?
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared tin, filling each case approximately two-thirds full.
How long do the Festive Sparkle Fairy Cupcakes take to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes.
How can I tell when the cupcakes are finished baking?
The cupcakes are done when the tops are golden and spring back when lightly touched.
How long should the cupcakes cool in the tin?
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about ten minutes before moving them.
Where should I place the cupcakes to finish cooling?
Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before you begin the icing and decoration process.
How do I make the icing for the cupcakes?
Mix 125g of icing sugar with a small amount of water until you achieve a soft drizzle consistency.
Can I add extra flavor to the icing?
Yes, you can incorporate a dash of vanilla extract into the icing sugar and water mixture for added depth.
When should I apply the icing?
Only apply the icing once the cupcakes have completely cooled to prevent it from melting off.
What is the best way to apply the icing?
Generously drizzle the icing over the tops, allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides of the cupcakes.
How do I prepare the fondant icing for decoration?
Roll out 150g of ready-to-roll fondant on a surface lightly dusted with icing sugar to prevent it from sticking.
What shapes are recommended for the fondant decorations?
Use festive cutters to create charming shapes, such as snowflakes, to match the holiday theme.
How do I add the fondant to the cupcakes?
Simply place one crafted fondant piece on top of each freshly iced cupcake.
How do I create the sparkle effect?
Finish the decoration by sprinkling edible glitter over the cupcakes to create a shimmering, festive look.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to yield 12 cupcakes.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to make yet stunning to present, making it perfect for novice bakers.
What occasions are these cupcakes best for?
They are ideal for Christmas celebrations, afternoon tea, school lunches, or cozy coffee breaks.
Do I need an electric mixer?
While an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, a wooden spoon can also be used.
How much fondant icing is required?
The recipe calls for 150g of ready-to-roll fondant icing.
What type of sugar is used in the sponge?
Caster sugar is used in the sponge to ensure a fine, light texture.
Can I use different colors for the fondant?
While the recipe suggests festive shapes, you can use any color of fondant or glitter to suit your specific occasion.