Pimm's Cupcakes

After six months away I have decided it is time to bring bakes-a-lot-lady out of retirement. The last six months haven't involved all that much baking after gaining what I can only assume is the weight of a 5-year-old child. But I am back, and what comeback could be better than one involving PIMM'S?!

Pimm's Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Icing

Ingredients
125g caster sugar
125g butter
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
125g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
50ml Pimm's
For the buttercream
8 strawberries, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon Pimm's
100g icing sugar
60g butter


Method

In a large bowl beat the sugar and butter together until light and creamy

Beat the eggs and vanilla together and add alternatively with the flour and baking powder to the mixture

Add the Pimm's and stir together until smooth and creamy

Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the mixture into each cupcake case

 Bake in a 160°C/gas 3 preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cupcakes are golden in colour and springy to the touch

Put the strawberries and Pimm's in a small saucepan and heat gently until the strawberries turn to mush. Strain through a sieve to get rid of the seeds and flesh. You should be left with a thin liquid.
Beat the icing sugar and butter together, add the strawberry juice and a dash of Pimm's if desired. Beat until you have a thick smooth icing. Spread the icing over each cake and decorate with sugar strands

 Enjoy, with a glass of Pimm's of course!

 Oops, didn't last long...

So they you have it, two of my very favourite things combined: cake and Pimm's. Now, better go for a run!

Inspiration from here.