Vanilla Cupcakes

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 170 C.
2. Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment and beat on slwo speed until you get a sandy consistency and everything is combined. Gradually pour in half the milk and beat until the milk is just incorporated.
3. Whisk the egg, vanilla extract and remaining milk together in a separate bowl for a few seconds, then pour into the flour mixture and continue beating until just incorporated (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula). Continue mixing for a couple more minutes until the mixture is smooth. Do not over mix.
4. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two thirds full and bake in the preheated over for 20-25 minutes, or until light golden and the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean.
5. Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
6. When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the Vanilla frosting on top and decorate with hundreds and thousands.

Below are the images of me at each step in the process.

Below is the review for the Vanilla Cupcakes. I asked an impartial person to give me their opinions on certain aspects and an overall rating at the end.

Vanilla Cupcake
Aesthetics:
Looks nice, because the icing looks green give the impression it will be minty, but the smell is very sweet with a hint of vanilla. Not overpowering, but subtle. The strands add colour and make it look like it’s a cake designed for kids. This is not a bad thing; it just doesn’t look very sophisticated, and is more on the frivolous side.

Taste:
Icing is similar to that found on Costco cakes, therefore quite sickly. However there is just the right ratio of icing to cake, and has the potential to me more sickly if there were more icing. Likes the sprinkles when eating because they add a crunch and another feeling on the palette. Fairly light texture, but leaves a feel of grease behind. Only other criticism is that it’s a bit plain, and it tastes more sugary that vanilla.

Additional Comments:
Obviously the first taste test so there is a while to go and plenty other flavours to try, therefore saving the really positive, or negative, feedback for later. Vanilla is a good place to start as it provides a neutral starting point.

Rating:
3/10

Below is a picture of the final cakes.