I. LOVE. CHRISTMAS!
Yesterday was officially the first day of Summer, which means I am positively squirming at the prospect of Christmas. In my house, the first day of December also means that we can start putting Christmas decorations out.
The decorations have surfaced, our little nativity babushka has been positioned…all we need is a tree.
I’m not talking those little, neat, plastic ones that most Australian families trot out year after year, I’m talking full blown, real life Christmas tree. They shed everywhere and the dogs pick fights with the low hanging branches, but I would not have it any other way.
I’m hoping we get a tree this weekend…I’ll keep you updated.
So, to kick off this exciting time of year, I’m sharing a perfect, simple little festive treat and a giveaway!! I used Heilala Vanilla in these cupcakes, and I could not recommend them more highly. Their vanilla products are amazingly delicious, and if you follow their Instagram you actually learn things. For example, did you know that vanilla has to be hand pollinated?
Just let that sink in a little.
Those delightfully fragrant stalks take A LOT of work before they make it to your kitchen.
Vanilla cupcakes
Makes 24
- 220g butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tspn Vanilla
- 3 egg whites
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 cup milk
Perfect vanilla buttercream
- 180g butter
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1.5 tsp milk
- Sprinkles, to decorate
Preheat your oven to 170°C and line your cupcake tins with patty pans.
Cream together your butter and sugar until pale. Add in your vanilla and egg whites. Sift in your flour and bicarb and mix well. Add in the milk and mix until just combined. Pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until very lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
While the cupcakes cool, whip your icing up. Put your butter and one cup of icing sugar into your mixer and mix well. Add in the remaining icing sugar, followed by the milk and vanilla bean paste.
Scoop your buttercream into a piping bag and pipe onto your cupcakes. Apply sprinkles liberally and serve with a nice hot cuppa.
It’s worth noting that these cupcakes have no bicarb in them – if you want them to be a little taller, add 1 tsp bicarb to them.
What a great give-away! I have been hearing so much about Heilala vanilla so it would be lovely to try it! I would share the popcorn with my partner whilst watching some festive movies! Your cupcakes look delicious! Great photos too! x
Thanks, lovely! Heilala are getting quite popular, I think 😀
Nice theme! And your photos are looking great.
Oh thanks 🙂 that means so much coming from you, your photos are always superb!
No they’re not! Nice of you to say so. 🙂
They are! I love your photography 🙂