Notes

How are the ingredients measured in this recipe?

In this recipe and in all of my recipes I provide all ingredients in grams and in mL (millilitres) where applicable. I also provide the ingredient quantities in METRIC cup measurements. However, be aware that cup measurements and spoon measurements vary in different countries. Therefore, I highly recommended the use of scales where applicable to measure ingredients to achieve exactly what the recipe intends.

What is caster sugar and can I substitute it in this recipe?

Caster Sugar is also known as super fine granulated sugar. Not to be confused or replaced with icing sugar also known as powdered sugar and confectioners’ sugar. You may replace the caster sugar with standard granulated white sugar in this recipe.

What is self raising flour? Can I substitute it?

Self raising flour is plain flour (all purpose flour) already combined with the precise amount of self raising agents. You may substitute 1 cup of self raising flour by using 1 metric cup (150 grams) of plain flour plus 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

What is cornflour? Can I substitute it?

Cornflour is also known as cornstarch in some countries. In Australia, the cornflour I use is made from 100% pure corn and it is gluten free. I use cornflour to give my cakes and cupcakes alike a soft, fine and light fluffy texture. If you cannot find cornflour or cornstarch you may omit it and replace with self raising flour or plain flour (all purpose flour). Be aware that this will change the texture of the cake and will make the crumbs bigger and heavier.

What does room temperature mean?

In some of my recipes I will indicate if an ingredient needs to be at room temperature. In these instances the ingredients will have come from the fridge to a room temperature of ideally 20 – 22 degrees Celsius (68 – 71.6 Fahrenheit). As a guide leave the ingredients from the fridge out for about an hour before using in them your recipe.

Troubleshooting

My cupcakes are browning at the top. Why is this happening and how can I prevent it?

A few factors can affect how cupcakes bake in the oven. All ovens vary which means your baked goods will bake differently depending on whether you have a fan forced or conventional oven, electric oven or gas oven. Also where the heating element is located in your oven.

If you find that your cupcakes are burning or browning before they are completely baked, you may need to adjust the temperature of your oven by lowering it by 10-20 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that if you lower the temperature of the oven, you may need to bake the cupcakes for slightly longer.

If the heating element in your oven is located on the roof of the oven, you may find that cupcakes brown or start to burn at the top after a period of time. You can reduce this by placing the cupcake tray on the bottom shelf of the oven and placing an empty tray on the highest shelf closest to the heating element. The empty tray will help to shield the cupcakes in the bottom tray.