Marble Cupcakes

Blueberry cupcakes proved to be a one-hit with the Swallow's mate.  In fact, he requested for more blueberries in the cakes!  However, her young ones were not as keen on them.

Knowing the young ones were more in favour of something chocolatey, but not having any chocolate chips in the house at the moment, the Swallow decided to improvise.  Mixing a little cocoa powder to a portion of the batter, then alternating the original mixture with the cocoa mixture created an effect known as 'marble', which is also a widely-used effect found in cakes sold in the cake shops.

MARBLE CUPCAKES (makes 12 cupcakes)

Marble Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 125g butter, at room temperature
• 150g sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 200g plain flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 60 ml milk
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. Using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt together.
5. To the butter mixture, add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl when necessary.
6. Set aside half of the batter.  Add the cocoa powder to this portion.  Mix well.
7. Fill the muffin cups evenly, starting with a little original batter then alternating with the cocoa mixture.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Notes

• Baking time and temperature may vary for different oven models.
• Do not over bake or the cupcakes will be dry. Check them a couple of minutes before the end of baking time.