Kids Cupcakes
By Aimee on
Today was my sisters birthday. She messaged me the other day whilst I was at work and asked me to look after her kids. To which, of course, I said yes. I had the day free and I had a few ideas of things we could do.
The first idea was a cake, but then thought they would have more fun and have more control over decorating cupcakes. I wanted the kids (who are almost 7 and 8) to have as much control in the kitchen which was safely possible, and they impressed me.
I looked up some recipes and one that was online was exactly the same as in a kids cakes recipe book I had. So we used that.
The kids took it in turns to read the ingredients and the Equipment. Then we took it one instruction at a time to complete the recipe. I helped them understand the quantities, pointing at the 1⁄2 cup line or showing them which teaspoon to use but they did the rest.
So first we preheated the oven to 180 degrees celsius. I actually suggest to do about 160 if you have a fan forced oven, as well as dropping the time by 5 minutes (our first batch came out a little overcooked).
We then placed the patty pan liners into the tray. The recipe said it would yield 24 cupcakes but we only got 19.
They took it in turns weighing out butter using the scales and pouring in the sugar. We then beat the sugar and butter together with the vanilla extract.
They then cracked an egg each, both were perfect! N had some of her egg land on the floor but no shell went in so thumbs up!
The recipe called for folding in the flour and milk but we used the mixer on low. We still added it in two batches. Taking it in turns again.
They then spooned the mixture into the cases, I double checked they had enough in them, and then N put them into the oven. Making sure she wore proper safety equipment.
During the cooking time (D set the timer) the kids played Mario Party. I took the cupcakes out of the oven to cool, put in the second batch and changed the time/heat as stated above.
After the game and some lunch D helped make the icing. N stirred in the red colouring. It’s hard to tell the kids that you only need a few drops but it all worked out well in the end.
Here they are busy decorating the cupcakes. I bought some sprinkles and sugared eyes/lips/moustaches etc. from the store this morning.
And here they are after, making sure it was all cleaned up.
When my sister came back this evening to pick up the kids they handed her the cards they made, we sang happy birthday and got to try the cupcakes. All in all They did a pretty great job and they tasted good too!
Recipe
Yields between 18-24
Ingredients
- 125g butter, at room temperature
- 1⁄2 cup caster sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3⁄4 cups self-raising flour
- 1⁄2 cup milk
Equipment
- Patty pan tins
- Paper cases for cupcakes
- Small bowl
- Electric mixer
- Sieve
- Spatula
- Wire cake racks
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°c / 375°F (160°c / 320°F for fan forced oven).
Line 2 x 12-hole patty pan tins with paper cases (or cook in two batches like we did)
Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in the small bowl of an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition.
Fold in (or mix on low), the sifted flour and milk in two batches.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared paper cases.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. (Check earlier for fan forced! We backed the second batch for 17 minutes and that was about perfect)
Cool for 5 minutes in the tins before before placing on wire racks to cool.