Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcakes

For the Sponge

100ml white rum

170g caster sugar

150g strawberries

40g unsalted butter

120g plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 large egg

120ml whole milk

½ tsp vanilla essence

For the Frosting

80g unsalted butter

250g icing sugar

½ finely grated lemon zest

4tsp whole milk

Sliced strawberries

Instructions

1.       Preheat the oven to 170°C and line the muffin tin with 12 cupcake cases (If you are using paper cases, line with two cupcakes in each hole to avoid the grease seeping through.

2.       Add the rum and 30g of the sugar to a small saucepan and bring to the boil, allowing it to reduce by about a half, then set aside to cool slightly.

3.       Hull and chop the strawberries into tiny pieces then soak in the rum and sugar reduction for 30-40 mins.

4.       Meanwhile using a free-standing whisk slowly mix the butter and the sugar until they resemble fine breadcrumbs.

5.       In a jug whisk the egg, milk and vanilla essence together. With the mixer or electric whisk still running on a low speed, gradually pour the liquid mixture into the flour and butter and mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl every now and then.

6.       Drain the strawberries from the rum reduction reserving the liquid and place a few small pieces of strawberry in each cupcake case. Spoon the rest of the batter on top of the strawberry filling.

7.       Bake for 15-20 mins or until the cupcakes are a light golden brown colour and bounce back when lightly pressed. While they are still warm, spoon about ½ teaspoon of the rum reduction over each cake, then leave to cool completely.

8.      Using the free-standing mixer or electric whisk, set on a low speed, beat together the butter, icing sugar and lime zest until combined and crumb like in texture. Then mix together the milk and 4 teaspoons of the reserved rum reduction in a jug. Pour the milk and rum into the butter and icing sugar mixture, always keeping the mixer on a low speed. When the liquid has been incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat the frosting until soft and fluffy.

9.       Smooth the frosting onto a cupcake using a pallet knife. You can top the cupcakes with fresh strawberries or for a celebratory touch a fluttering of edible glitter!

10.   These cupcakes make a great adult after dinner treat or are perfect for a grown up sleepover with all your best girl friends.