Chocolate Cupcakes With A Melted Chocolate Centre

Ingredients:

100g butter or margarine

100g caster sugar

100g self-raising flour, sifted

2 eggs

2 or 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Same as previous cupcake recipe, just with added cocoa powder for the chocolate flavour.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (Electric oven | Electric fan oven 160°C | Gas Mark 4) and place 12 paper cases into a muffin tin.

2. Using an electric whisk, food processor or wooden spoon, beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating each one in well before adding the next. Add the vanilla essence if using.

4. Carefully fold in the flour (and baking powder if using).

5. Bake in the oven for 10 - 20 minutes.

For the gooey chocolate filling, melt some milk chocolate, add half of the cupcake mixture then spoon a small amount of melted chocolate in the centre - then add the rest of the cupcake mixture on top.

The first time I made these, I put too much chocolate in the centre and they didn't turn out so good, so it may just be a case of trial and error :)