Vanilla rugby cakes

Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C. Place paper patty cases in a 12-cup muffin pan.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together, until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. Lightly fold in flour alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.

Spoon mixture evenly among patty cases. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked when tested. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in icing sugar and milk (see tip). Divide mixture into two or three batches and colour each to match your team’s colours.

Spread icing over cooled cakes to create two long slanted edges resembling a football. Use writing gel or arrange the lollies to resemble football laces. Store in an airtight container.

Cook's tip If you just want lovely iced cupcakes, use chocolate buttercream – simply sift 1/3 cup cocoa powder with icing sugar when making icing (Step 4).