Cupcake Inspiration

The fight against Alzheimer’s (also known as dementia) is an important one as this is the most significant cause of death among people who live in England and Wales. Unfortunately, no cure for dementia has been discovered as yet and research continues, while the large number of people who suffer from this disease means that the cost of care is very high.

In 2017 £1,000,000 was raised in England on this day alone. A large part of the money raised went to opening special dementia cafes where people who suffer from the disease have a welcoming place to gather with their carers and support each other while enjoying a little light refreshment.

Basic vanilla cupcake sponge recipe

You will need: 110g softened butter, 110g golden caster sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 110g self-raising flour, paper cupcake cases

Put the flour and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle and crack the eggs into it. Pour in about 50ml milk and 1 tbsp oil. Start whisking from the centre, gradually drawing the flour into the eggs, milk and oil. Once all the flour is incorporated, beat until you have a smooth, thick paste. Add a little more milk if it is too stiff to beat.
Bake for 15 mins until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle of each cake comes out clean. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
Buttercream frosting

For a basic buttercream frosting: 150g softened butter, 300g icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 tbsp milk, food colouring paste of your choice (optional).

To make the buttercream, whisk the butter until super soft then add the icing sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until smooth (start off slowly to avoid an icing sugar cloud) then beat in the milk. If wanting to colour, stir in the food colouring now. Spoon or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes

Fabulous flavours and frosting idea

Chocolate sponge with chocolate top – Double chocolate delight, melt a layer of chocolate on your cupcakes, wait until set for a great Tunis cake texture.

Carrot cake – incorporate shredded carrot into your cake mix to replicate a classic. Orange or white buttercream frosting on top.

Party time – Vanilla sponge topped with classic icing, decorate with coloured sweets before the icing sets.

Ice cream 99 – Vanilla sponge, big dollop of vanilla buttercream sculpted to imitate a whippy ice cream, add a mini flake chocolate to finish.

Strawberry milkshake – Pink colouring to your sponge, pink or white buttercream – finish with piece of strawberry

Almond and coconut – A more mature choice, incorporate almond pieces onto your cake mix and a liberal dusting of dry coconut flakes to your icing or buttercream.

Bakewell – Almond flavour sponge, fondant icing and glace cherry to finish. Perhaps even inject a hidden bit of jam in the middle of your sponge.