By Devi Poojari
November 3, 2025
Bite-sized vanilla cupcakes are an easy treat to bake since they are versatile and welcoming, when served as a high tea confection or to indulge in as a sweet ending following a meal. What also makes these cupcakes unique is the use of homemade royal icing instead of a buttercream frosting, which makes them lighter on the palate.
1 cup all-purpose flour 1.5 teaspoons baking powder ⅔ cup castor sugar 9 tablespoons soft butter 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla essence Food colouring, of choice Cake decorations (optional)
2 egg whites 225 grams powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
Preheat the oven to 180ºC while adding the flour, baking powder, castor sugar, butter, eggs, food colouring (if using) and vanilla to a food processor.
Blitz the mixture until smooth and lump-free before adding in the milk to adjust the batter into a soft, dropping consistency.
Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners before spooning the batter into each one and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes before letting them cool completely.
Unmould the cupcakes and place them on a wire rack while combining the ingredients for the icing in a bowl.
Spoon the royal icing over each cupcake before decorating them with sugar roses, sprinkles, candy or edible flowers.