Nothing fancy…just another simple and easy cupcake recipe you can bake any time and any day. I was running late just the other day and I picked this recipe as it was an easy one and wouldn’t take long to prepare. I always love to treat my buddies whenever I can and was glad they enjoyed it. This is a vanilla cupcake with dried apricots. You can add any dried fruits like sultanas, grapes and citrus peel. You can also top the cupcakes with butter icing.

Ingredients (makes 12)

• 225g self raising flour, sifted
• 165 caster sugar
• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 medium eggs
• 80ml milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried apricots(optional)

Butter Icing(optional)

• 185g unsalted butter, soften
• 240g icing sugar, sifted
• 1 1/2 tbsp milk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160’C. Place the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk and vanilla in an electric mixer and beat on a medium speed for 2 minutes or until pale and smooth.  Add in the apricots and using a spatula stir gently to combine.
2. Spoon the mixture into a 12 hole tin lined with cupcake cases. Bake for 20-24 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.
3. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Voila! Happy Days!

Butter Icing: Place the butter in an electric mxer and beat for 6-8 minutes or until pale and creamy. Add the sugar, milk and vanilla and beat for a further 10-15 minutes or until pale and fluffy. Spread the cupcakes with the icing to serve.