Perky ‘Nana Cupcakes

We are selling our house so I whipped these up quickly for our open home over the weekend. Our house is a family home so I wanted something fun for any kids who came through with their parents and what kid big or small doesn’t love Perky Nana’s? These would also be a great addition to any jungle themed parties – perfect for little monkeys!

Ingredients:
Makes 12 cupcakes
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup flour
1 egg
¼ cup milk
75 grams butter (melted)
½  teaspoon vanilla essence
Pinch of salt
¼ cup boiling water

Banana Buttercream
125 grams butter, softened
1½ cups icing sugar, sifted
15 grams banana powder
2-3 tablespoons hot water
a few drops of yellow food colouring

6 mini Perky Nana’s for decoration

Method:
Pre-heat your oven to 180°C and line a muffin tray with cupcake papers.
Place all ingredients for your cupcakes EXCEPT the boiling water into a mixing bowl. Add water last and then combine with an electric mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes to ensure everything is well combined.
Fill cupcake cases to just over half way and place in the oven to bake for 12-15 minutes.
You will know they are ready when they spring back from the centre when touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before frosting.
To make your buttercream beat your butter until it is light and fluffy.
Add half the icing sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of the hot water and beat again.
Add the rest of your icing sugar and banana powder and a few drops of yellow food colouring. Add more water if you want to loosen the mix or a little more icing sugar to thicken it.
Place in a piping bag and pipe onto your cupcakes. Top each cupcake with half a mini Perky Nana.