Cupcakes

Cupcakes have recently undergone a revolution, with every bakery now serving up these miniature cakes, usually along with a hefty price tag. The reality is that cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, in fact, you can turn any cake recipe into cupcakes, you just need to cut down the cooking time. Here are a few more tips that will ensure you turn out perfect cakes every time:

  • Don’t overbeat the mix to ensure the cupcakes come out light and fluffy.
  • The easiest way to fill up your cupcake liners is by using an ice cream scoop.
  • Don’t overfill the liners, instead fill them to ⅔ full to avoid them spilling over the top of the pan.
  • Don’t try and rush things, especially when the cupcakes are cooling. Make sure they are completely cold before you ice them or the frosting will slide off the top.

Muffins

Making muffins is simple and there really is a muffins recipe to suit all tastes: healthy recipes for midweek snacks, savoury muffins to pair with soup or dessert muffins that you can store in the freezer for unexpected guests. With these easy to follow tips, you’ll soon be turning out perfect muffins, complete with perfectly domed tops:

  • Mix the wet ingredients together in one bowl and mix the dry ingredients in another. Make a well in the dry ingredients, carefully pour in the wet ingredients, then stir the mix a couple of times to roughly combine.
  • Do not over stir the mix! Resist the temptation to stir or beat the batter until it is smooth and lump free. Instead, just moisten the ingredients.
  • While spices should be added with all the other dry ingredients, fruit, nuts, and anything lumpy should be added last. Give the batter one more light-handed stir once you’ve added them in and then you’re done.
  • Once the muffin cups are all filled, you can choose to sprinkle the tops with more fruit, nuts or a crumble topping for even more flavour.

Scones

Scones are experiencing a resurgence, with many fancy tea shops and cafes now offering a traditional afternoon tea. However, you can make scones that are far more tasty and won’t break the bank with these tips and recipes:

  • Scones require a very soft hand, so ensure you sift your flour to aerate it and avoid lumps in the mix.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients using a flat bladed knife. Make a well in the centre of the mix and use a knife to mix scones quickly.
  • Mix the dough until just combined. Avoid kneading or it will soon become tough and heavy.
  • Place the scones, side by side and just touching, on a lightly greased baking tray that has been dusted with flour. Having the scones close together will help them rise, rather than spread, and will keep the sides straight and even.
  • If you find your scones have a floury taste, next time try adding a scarce teaspoon of caster sugar to the mix. This will balance out the flavour without them being noticeably sweet.

Biscuits

Making perfect, evenly browned biscuits is easier than you imagine. With one of our great recipes and these tips you’re guaranteed a perfect result:

  • Choose the right tray – either a baking sheet or a tray with a small lip that isn’t too deep, or the biscuits won’t brown. Opt for a heavy material, which is unlikely to buckle under the heat and will stop the biscuits overcooking on the bottom.
  • Line your tray with baking paper to ensure the biscuits are easy to remove.
  • Never overcrowd the tray. Each biscuit needs room to expand and for air to circulate around it. The easiest way is to place a row of biscuits at the top of the tray, then line up the next row to sit behind the gaps left by the biscuits in front. Continue this pattern until the tray is full.
  • When cooked, pull the trays out of the oven and let the biscuits sit for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This will let them settle and prevent them from falling apart.

Decorating

If you find your results are a little less than visually pleasing, never fear! Adding icing can cover up myriad mistakes, and add even more decadence and flavour to the final product. Here are a few recipes to help you on your way to making the perfect finishing touch: