These fun cupcakes will brighten up any kid’s party.

Ingredients: (Makes 24)

• 3 eggs
• 175 g/6 oz caster sugar
• 175 g/6 oz self-raising flour
• 175 g/6 oz unsalted butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 225 g/8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 125 g/4½ oz icing sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Smarties to decorate

Method:
Preheat the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and pale. Divide the mixture between the cases. Bake for 15 minutes until well risen and golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Combine the butter, icing sugar, cocoa and milk in a large bowl and beat until smooth. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a medium star nozzle and pipe a large swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake. Scatter each cupcake with 5 or 6 Smarties.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.