ROMANTIC ROSE CUPCAKES

Makes 12 deep cupcakes

Prep 10 mins

Cook 20 mins

INGREDIENTS

150ml pot natural yogurt

3 eggs , beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

175g golden caster sugar

140g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

100g ground almonds

175g unsalted butter , melted

FOR THE WHITE CHOCOLATE FROSTING

100g white chocolate

140g unsalted butter

140g icing sugar 

1.    Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases and heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. In a jug, mix the yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract. Put the dry ingredients, plus a pinch of salt, into a large bowl and make a well in the middle.

2.    Add the yogurty mix and melted butter, and quickly fold in with a spatula or metal spoon - don't overwork it. Spoon into the cases (they will be quite full) and bake for 18-20 mins or until golden, risen and springy to the touch. Cool for a few mins, then lift the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze as soon as possible.

3.    White chocolate frosting: Melt the chocolate in the microwave on High for 1½ mins, stirring halfway. Leave to cool. Beat the butter and icing sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in the chocolate. Cover and chill for up to one month.

4.    Up to 48 hrs before serving (or the day before if it's really hot), bring the frosting back to room temperature, then spread over the cakes. Put the ribbon around the cakes now if you like, tying or glueing in place. Keep cool, out of direct sunlight.

Allergic to nuts?

If you would rather not cook with nuts, swap the ground almonds for 100g more plain flour. The end result will still taste great, but won't keep or freeze quite as well.

Jane says

'Having been the one 'doing the cake' many times, I know that making a sponge and having to ice it in the two days before a wedding only adds to the pressure! Once frosted, these cakes will keep happily in a cool place for up to 48 hours, and they freeze perfectly. As long as they're eaten within three days of baking or defrosting, you'll be fine.'

Make it a cake

If you want a cake to cut, make a batch of batter and bake in a lined, deep 20cm round cake tin at 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 for 40-45 mins. Serve on a pretty cake plate, topped with frosting and roses. The roses can be made up to a month ahead and coloured to match the wedding theme. Keep in a cool place away from moisture and light.