We love parties. We love celebs. But most importantly, we love cake. Thank the foodie gods then, for Cake Time, the bake sale with a celebrity twist.
Want to know Fearne Cotton’s favourite fruity accompaniment to a chocolate cupcake? Or just how thick VV Brown likes her shortbread? By getting involved with Cake Time, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of baked goods using recipes donated by some of our favourite ladies, including TV funnywoman Dawn Porter, and munch with all your mates in the name of charity. Making time to eat more cake – we like it.
Organised as a fundraising campaign for charity Shelter, Cake Time wants you to help raise money for the homeless by hosting your own cake party this week. Stun your workmates with a tray of Cotton-approved cupcakes or get all the girls over for a Come Dine with Me-style pudding party. Dawn Porter, who has donated a recipe for a yummy lime and ginger cheesecake, said: “I think whoever invented cake was a genius! I love food and I can’t think of a better reason to get everyone together. Shelter’s work is vital in helping people who don’t have a decent and safe place to live, and there is no easier way to show support than having a Cake Time party.”
You won’t just be helping your sweet tooth with Cake Time. Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said: “It is really shocking that every two minutes someone faces the nightmare of losing their home. The money raised through Cake Time will support the work Shelter does to help stop things spiralling out of control for the thousands of families constantly struggling to keep a roof over their heads.”
So roll up your sleeves and get sieving, ladies. This is one tea time treat guaranteed to make a difference your waistline won’t worry about.
Here's a sneak peak at Fearne's recipe for Chocolate Cupcakes for more register now at www.shelter.org.uk/caketime for your free Cake Time pack which has everything you need to get started, including delicious recipes, tips on organising your event and fundraising ideas.
Fearne Cotton’s Chocolate Cupcakes
Makes: 12 | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cupcake ingredients:
- 150g butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 175g self-raising flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 3 eggs (beaten)
Method for the cupcakes:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 and lay out 12 cup cake cases on a baking tray.
2. Using an electric mixer, mix the butter, sugar, flour and cocoa powder in a bowl adding the beaten eggs slowly into the bowl as you are mixing.
3. Using a large spoon place equal amounts of mixture into the 12 cupcake cases.
4. Place in the oven (near the top) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes – until firm to touch. 5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Once cooled add the buttercream. Method for the topping:
1. Place the butter into a bowl, stir in the icing sugar and vanilla extract using a wooden spoon, then whisk until fluffy.
2. Put the mixture into a piping bag and squeeze plenty onto each cupcake.
3. Sprinkle chocolate flakes or chocolate chips over the top and add a raspberry to finish.
Cupcake ingredients:
- 150g butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 175g self-raising flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 3 eggs (beaten)
Method for the cupcakes:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 and lay out 12 cup cake cases on a baking tray.
2. Using an electric mixer, mix the butter, sugar, flour and cocoa powder in a bowl adding the beaten eggs slowly into the bowl as you are mixing.
3. Using a large spoon place equal amounts of mixture into the 12 cupcake cases.
4. Place in the oven (near the top) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes – until firm to touch. 5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Once cooled add the buttercream. Method for the topping:
1. Place the butter into a bowl, stir in the icing sugar and vanilla extract using a wooden spoon, then whisk until fluffy.
2. Put the mixture into a piping bag and squeeze plenty onto each cupcake.
3. Sprinkle chocolate flakes or chocolate chips over the top and add a raspberry to finish.
