Another half-term is just around the corner! Cue the potential for beautiful chaos. But don’t panic!

We know the feeling. You want to give the children an enjoyable, fun break from school, but the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, and let’s face it, many come with a hefty price tag.

Well, we’re here to offer a solution that turns one of your precious free days into a fun and inexpensive baking adventure!

Below you’ll find a simple recipe that has been tried, tested, and utterly loved in our kitchen hundreds of times. Get ready for sponges that come out like clouds! Light, fluffy, tasty, and oh so sweet!

We especially love how quick and fuss-free these are to make. Plus, because the base recipe is so simple, you can let your imagination run wild and decorate them to fit absolutely any theme your little ones are into!

Let us know how your creations turn out, we can’t wait to see!

You will need… (All available at Home Bargains!)

• 125g unsalted butter (softened)
• 125g self-raising flour
• 125g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (Gas Mark 5). Get your oven warming up ready for the magic to happen!
2. Prepare your cupcake station. Line 12-hole muffin tins (or baking trays) with 12 colourful cupcake cases. This makes clean-up a breeze!
3. Cream the base. In a mixing bowl, whisk the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light and smooth. This is the key to those fluffy sponges!
4. Introduce the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
5. Flavour boost! Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra touch of deliciousness.
6. Gently fold in the flour. Gradually add the self-raising flour while mixing on a low speed (or folding in gently by hand). Continue until just combined.
7. Add the magic ingredient (milk!). Add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, easily spoonable batter consistency. Don’t overmix at this stage!
8. Fill the cases. Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Bake until golden. Pop the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
10. Cool completely. Once baked, carefully remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. ¹ This is a crucial step before decorating!  

Now for the REALLY Fun Part: Decoration Station!

Once your cloud-like sponges are cool, it’s time to unleash your inner artists! Here are some fun and inexpensive ideas to add colour and pizzazz:

Add a splash of colour!
Mix icing sugar with a tiny splash of water and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Add more water for a drizzle effect or less for a thicker, spreadable icing. Divide the icing into small bowls and let the kids choose their colours with food colouring for a vibrant display.

Fly a Flag for Extra Magic. Head to the crafting department at Home Bargains and pick up some colourful card and pens. Grab some small cocktail sticks from the kitchen aisle. Now, let your little ones get super creative by making their own mini flags with sweet messages, drawings, or even just their favourite colours. They’ll love the joy of displaying all 12 unique flags on top of their perfect cakes! This is a fantastic way to keep them occupied while the cakes are cooling too.

Add a Sprinkling of Joy. Sprinkles are a classic for a reason! They add instant colour, texture, and fun. Home Bargains has a great selection of colourful strands, shapes, and even themed sprinkles that will suit any occasion.

Finish with Sparkles! For an extra touch of magic, or if you’re feeling a little extravagant, consider adding some safe cake sparklers (with adult supervision, of course!).

You can find absolutely everything you need for this fun half-term baking adventure at Ladysmith’s Home Bargains!

Let us know how yours turn out! We’d absolutely love to see your creations! Share your photos with us on social media and don’t forget to tag us @ladysmithsc

Good luck!