Before there were cupcakes, there was the fairy cake – a smaller, less showy species, and easier to make, too

Cupcakes, with their sculpted swirls of gaudy buttercream, tend to be easier on the eye than the appetite, which is why I prefer their more delicate, fairy-sized cousins. They’re also deliciously simple to make, and even more fun to decorate; an ideal Easter holiday activity, because everyone gets to enjoy the results (plus, you can lick the bowl afterwards).

Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Makes 12