2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla essence

125g/4oz caster sugar

125g/4oz soft margarine

125g/4oz self-raising flour

To decorate (optional)

tubes of writing icing

marshmallows, white and coloured

food colouring, for icing

coloured sweets

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and beat them together until the mixture is smooth and slightly lighter in colour.

2. Line a bun tin or cupcake tin with paper cake cases and half-fill each case with the cake mixture.

3. Cook the cakes for 18-20 minutes. You can tell they are done when they have risen up, are golden in colour, and spring back into shape when lightly pressed.

4. The cupcakes can be decorated using a basic icing, plus marshmallows, writing icing, food colouring and coloured sweets. Why not decorate them to match the party theme? You could  also make a cupcake farm with animals such as sheep, piglets and dogs.