Creme Egg Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 180˚C/160˚C (fan)/350˚F/gas 4. Line a 12 -hole muffin tin with 12 muffin cases.

Melt the butter and chocolate together in a microwaveable or heatproof bowl, either in the microwave in short bursts or over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure the chocolate melts completely, then set aside to cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract together, using an electric hand mixer, until pale and fluffy.

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture and gently fold together with a spatula. Sift the flour on top and fold through until well combined.

Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cases, filling each case about two-thirds full.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to stand in their tin for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the icing, place the sugar, golden caster sugar and water in a pan and cook on a high heat until the mixture reaches ‘soft-ball’ stage – this is when the bubbles in the mixture almost start to stick together and the mixture would drop off a spoon in a smooth, slow stream. This could take up to 6 minutes.

In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks start to form.

When the sugar mixture has reached soft-ball stage, remove from the heat.

Using an electric hand mixer on a low speed, pour the hot sugar mixture in a slow, steady stream into the egg whites. Continue to beat on a low speed until all the hot sugar is in the mixing bowl.

Turn the mixer up to a medium-high speed and continue whipping the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy and cool. Add the vanilla extract towards the end of the mixing process.

Divide the icing between two bowls and colour one of them with the yellow gel food colouring until the icing becomes a pale egg yellow colour.

To assemble, using a small pairing knife or cupcake corer, remove a small piece of sponge (about 2cm) from the centre of each cupcake.

Place a whole mini creme egg into each of the holes you have created.

Ice the top of each cupcake with the white marshmallow icing and then smear a small amount of yellow marshmallow on one side of the white icing. Swirl the icings together with a palette knife to create a marbled effect. Finish by decorating each cupcake with half a mini creme egg placed on top.

Watch how to make the videos below: