Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes

4oz Butter

4oz Caster / Granulated Sugar

4oz Self Raising Flour

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Almond Extract

2 Eggs

2oz Ground Almonds

3oz Glace Cherries (Chopped)

Cooking time: 170c Fan / Gas mark 5 for 15 minutes in preheated oven

Serving: 12 Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven and put cupcake cases in the cupcake tin

2. Chop the cherries and put to one side

3. Cream together the butter and sugar with a whisk for 2 minutes, until well combined, use a wooden spoon to scrape around the edge of the bowl and mix together

4. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and almond extract together for a couple of minutes

5. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the butter mixture and whisk together for a good few minutes until well combined and it provides a good consistency

6. In to a separate bowl sieve the flour and baking powder

7. Add the chopped cherries and ground almonds to this mixture and stir

8. Mix flour mixture into the egg mixture and fold in slowly but until well combined

9. Divide the mixture evenly between the cupcake cases and put in the oven

10. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden, once done remove and leave in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack

Icing

1 Tbs Custard Powder

200ml Milk

2oz Butter

9oz Icing Sugar

6 Cherries (Halved)

1 Tsp Almond Extract

1. Put the custard powder into a jub and a little milk to make a smooth paste

2. Put the remaining milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil slowly

3. Pour the hot milk onto the custard and stir until combined

4. Return the mixture to the pan and heat gently for 1-2 minutes untill it thickens

5. Remove from the heat and cover with some damp greaseproof paper to prevent a skin forming and let it cool (you can put it in the fridge to speed this process up)

6. Once cooled put the custard into a bowl and whisk in the butter and almond extract and chill for a further 20-30 minutes

7. Gradually whisk in the icing sugar into the chilled mixture until it is smooth, but thick

8. Using a knife spread onto the cupcakes

9. Cut the cherries in half and place a half on each of the cupcake

10. Tuck in and enjoy