Welcome to our Food Heroes section, where this week, we spotlight the culinary talents that make our local food scene so special. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Olivia, the creative force behind Patisserie Olive, a beloved bakery in the heart of Lewisham, London, known for its exceptional cupcakes.
Olivia’s Story: After honing her skills at a prestigious culinary school, Olivia opened Patisserie Olive in 2023. She quickly earned a reputation for her exquisite cupcakes and other delightful pastries. Olivia’s passion for baking is evident in every bite, and her dedication to quality and creativity has made Patisserie Olive a favourite among locals. Especially parents!
About Patisserie Olive: Situated in Lewisham, London, Patisserie Olive provides cakes for all occasions, tasty cupcakes, stunning dessert tables, and more. Every bake is crafted with immense love and creativity, ensuring each bite adds a special touch to your celebrations and daily moments. Drawing on a rich background in pastry art, Olivia and her team offer diverse designs that are not just treats but artistic expressions made for you.
Cakes are made from the finest ingredients, free of artificial flavours and additives. Each bake is perfected through tried-and-tested recipes, baked from scratch, and decorated fresh to order. Olivia listens closely to her customers, ensuring all special requirements are met, including dietary requirements. Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, anniversary, or wedding, Patisserie Olive creates custom cakes that make celebrations truly unforgettable.
Olivia’s Favourite Cupcake Recipe: Today, Olivia shares her secret to perfect cupcakes with us. This recipe is easy to follow and fun for kids, making it a great family activity.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the buttercream icing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp double cream
- Food colouring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake cases.
- Mix dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before icing.
For the buttercream icing:
- Beat the butter. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add icing sugar and vanilla. Gradually add the icing sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
- Adjust consistency. Add the double cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If using, add food colouring to the icing.
- Decorate. Ice the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula. Decorate with sprinkles as desired.
Tips for Baking with Kids:
- Get organised. Gather all ingredients and tools before starting to keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Assign tasks. Let kids handle age-appropriate tasks, such as measuring ingredients, mixing, and decorating.
- Make it fun. Encourage creativity with different icing colours and decorations.
- Be patient. When baking with kids, allow extra time, and focus on having fun rather than perfection.
Cake Decorating Parties: In addition to creating stunning cupcakes, Olivia also offers cake decorating parties at Patisserie Olive. These parties are perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a fun day out. Guests learn cake decorating techniques from Olivia herself and create their own beautiful cakes to take home. For more information, visit Cake Decorating Parties.
We hope you enjoy making and tasting these delightful cupcakes as much as we do! For more delicious treats and baking inspiration, visit Olivia at Patisserie Olive.
Local bakers in Greenwich, cupcake recipes, baking with kids.
Local bakers in Greenwich, cupcake recipes, baking with kids.
Local bakers in Greenwich, cupcake recipes, baking with kids.
Local bakers in Greenwich, cupcake recipes, baking with kids.