These dainty little cupcakes with their rose butter icing will make the perfect gift. Top each with a ready-made flower decoration or crystallised rose petal. To make your own see GET AHEAD! below. Pack into a decorative box or deliver on a special plate for maximum impact.
Serves 12
Ingredients
- 175g unsalted butter
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 175g self-raising flour
- 175 g plain cooked beetroot, pureed (with a little juice reserved for the icing)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Icing:
- 300g icing sugar
- 150g unsalted butter
- few drops rose flower water
- 12 ready-made flower decorations or crystallised rose petals, to decorate
Method
- Preheat the oven if necessary to 180 C/Esse Dial Guide MODERATE. (Aim for the dial reading to be at the top end of MODERATE or very low end of HOT). Line a 12-hole cupcake tray with cases.
- To make the cupcakes, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, flour, pureed beetroot and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- In a clean bowl whisk the egg whites until fairly stiff. Take a large spoon of the egg white and beat into the flour mixture to loosen a little, then gently fold the remaining egg white through the mixture, taking care not to overbeat.
- Divide between the cupcake cases and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cakes are firm to the touch. Remove from the tray and leave to cool on a rack.
- Meanwhile, to make the icing, beat the icing sugar with the butter until fluffy. Add a few drops of rose flower water and few drops of the reserved beetroot juice to flavour and lightly colour, mixing well. Spread generously or pipe over the cooled cupcakes and decorate with a flower or petal to serve.
Make Ahead!
To make your own crystallised rose petals then prepare at least the day before they are required. They will keep in an airtight box for a few weeks. Lay out a piece of silicone-coated baking paper on a tray. Brush 12 organic rose petals with egg white and sprinkle all over with caster sugar. Allow to dry in a warm place for 8 hours before using.
