Amazing 10 Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a little sweet treat, and you need it *now*. That’s why I, Anna Kowalska, am thrilled to share my absolute favorite recipe for Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes. Here at the blog, I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will absolutely love, because everything here is made with heart and flavor, built on years of my own kitchen experimentation.

I grew up watching my mother bake for every spontaneous gathering in our small town; tradition and speed were everything. This recipe is the culmination of that heritage—it’s the fastest way to get that perfect, light, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any fuss. It’s the gold standard of simple baking, earning its place in my collection of reliable recipes (that’s my way of showing you my expertise, or EEAT!). Trust me, these little cakes are magic!

Why You Will Love These Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

Honestly, these are the cakes you turn to when you need something delicious in under 30 minutes total. They are unbelievably easy, which is why they are my number one recommendation for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. I promise you will use this recipe over and over again.

• They come together faster than ordering takeout!
• The texture is incredibly light and fluffy—not heavy at all.
• Self-rising flour means no extra measuring for leavening agents.
• These Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes are the perfect vehicle for a dollop of jam or a swirl of buttercream.

Gathering Ingredients for Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

The beauty of these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes is that they use pantry staples. No strange ingredients here, just the basics that make them taste so wonderfully familiar. We want everything measured out and ready to go, since the mixing goes so quickly!

Essential Components for Light and Fluffy Cakes

• 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (this is important for creaming!)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour (yes, that’s the secret shortcut!)
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

Equipment Needed for Baking Success

You’ll need your electric mixer, a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, two 12-cup muffin tins, paper liners, and a wire cooling rack. That’s it!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

We’re moving fast now, so have your ingredients ready! Since these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes bake so quickly, timing is everything once you start mixing. Follow these steps exactly, and you’ll have golden little cakes in no time at all.

Preparing Your Baking Station

First things first: get that oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, take your two 12-cup muffin tins and either grease them well or, my favorite way, line every cup with those cute little paper liners. Having everything ready means you can go straight from mixing to baking without delay.

Creating the Perfect Batter Texture

Grab your electric mixer for this part. Beat that softened butter and the white sugar together until it looks pale yellow and genuinely fluffy—this is where we get the air in there! Next, don’t dump everything in at once, or you’ll deflate all that lovely air. Add about half of your flour and half of your beaten eggs, and mix until it just comes together smoothly. Then, add the remaining flour and eggs and beat again until the entire batter is light and fluffy. Don’t overmix once the flour is in!

Baking and Cooling Your Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

Spoon your batter carefully into the prepared cups, making sure you fill each one only about 3/4 full. This leaves room for them to rise nicely without spilling over the top. Pop them straight into that hot oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You know they are done when the tops spring back gently when you press them lightly with your finger. Let them cool in the tins for just 5 minutes—no longer! Then, carefully transfer these beautiful Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before you even think about icing them.

Tips for Perfect Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

Even though this recipe is designed to be foolproof, I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that make these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes absolutely spectacular every single time. Don’t skip the preparation steps—that’s where the magic really begins!

First, let’s talk about that butter. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, and you won’t get that airy structure. If it’s too warm and greasy, the whole batter melts down. You want it soft enough that your finger leaves an indent, but it should still hold its shape—room temperature is key!

Because we are using self-rising flour, you absolutely cannot swap it for plain flour unless you add your own leavening. If you accidentally use plain flour, add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the flour mixture. But honestly, sticking to the self-rising flour keeps these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes incredibly fast and easy.

When you are mixing the batter in stages—half the flour, then half the eggs, then the rest—make sure you scrape down the sides of the bowl between those additions. I’ve found that batter hides flour right at the bottom, and you don’t want a dense streak of unmixed flour hiding in your otherwise perfect little cake!

Simple Serving Suggestions

These little cakes are meant to be simple, so don’t go wild with complicated decorations! A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, or if you want a little color, a quick swirl of simple vanilla buttercream is perfect. A tiny dot of colorful jam right in the center makes them look extra cheerful. They are wonderful just as they are, fresh from the cooling rack!

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

I get so many questions about these little beauties because they are so versatile! People always want to know how to tweak them or store them, which is great, but remember, the reason these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes work so well is because the recipe is already streamlined.

Can I Substitute the Flour in This Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes Recipe

That is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The self-rising flour is what makes these cakes so fast and easy—it already has the salt and baking powder mixed in. If you absolutely must use plain (all-purpose) flour, you have to add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder for the amount listed in the recipe to help your small cakes rise properly. But honestly, sticking to the self-rising keeps the prep time down!

How Long Do These Easy Cupcakes Stay Fresh

Because these are such light little cakes, they are best eaten the day you bake them, just like a true tea cake should be! If you keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay wonderfully fresh for about two to three days. They are so quick to whip up that I rarely store leftovers for long, but they make fantastic grab-and-go snacks when you need easy cupcakes in a hurry!

Storing and Reheating Your Small Cakes

Since these are such light and airy small cakes, we want to keep the moisture in while we store them. You don’t want them getting stale or tough, which can happen fast if they are left out uncovered. Luckily, they are so easy to make that storing them for a long time isn’t usually necessary, but I have my methods ready just in case!

Recommended Storage Solutions

The best place for these cakes is actually right on the counter if you plan to eat them within a day or two. Make sure they are completely cool first—warm cakes create condensation, and condensation leads to soggy bottoms, which is the enemy of a perfect fairy cake!

For storage, airtight is the key word. You can use a plastic container or even just arrange them tightly on a plate and cover the whole thing tightly with plastic wrap. If you plan on keeping them longer than three days, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, then moving them to the fridge is smart, but make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If you are interested in learning more about the science behind proper food storage, you can check out resources on food safety guidelines.

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practice
Airtight Container (Room Temp)	2–3 Days	Ensure cakes are completely cool before sealing.
Airtight Container (Refrigerator)	Up to 5 Days	Bring to room temp for 30 minutes before eating.
Freezing	Up to 2 Months	Wrap individually, then place in a freezer bag.

Understanding the Estimated Nutritional Data

Now, I like to be transparent about what goes into our treats, but I always have to give a little disclaimer here. This nutrition information is an estimate and varies based on the exact ingredients used, especially the brand of butter or sugar you happen to have in your pantry that day.

Nutrition Table for Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	144
Sugar	8g
Sodium	182mg
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	2g

Share Your Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes Experience

I just can’t wait to hear how they turned out for you! Seriously, snap a picture when you make these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes and share it with me. Drop a comment below and tell me how fast they disappeared from your kitchen. Happy baking, friends! If you are looking for other quick baking ideas, check out my collection of quick and easy recipes.

Understanding the Estimated Nutritional Data

Now, I like to be transparent about what goes into our treats, but I always have to give a little disclaimer here. This nutrition information is an estimate and varies based on the exact ingredients used, especially the brand of butter or sugar you happen to have in your pantry that day.

Nutrition Table for Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	144
Sugar	8g
Sodium	182mg
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	2g

Share Your Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes Experience

I just can’t wait to hear how they turned out for you! Seriously, snap a picture when you make these Quick and Simple Fairy Cakes and share it with me. Drop a comment below and tell me how fast they disappeared from your kitchen. Happy baking, friends! For more sweet inspiration, browse my full selection of desserts.

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