Iced Fairy Cakes are light, fluffy, and topped with a sweet icing—perfect for any occasion, big or small.

I remember the first time I made Mary Berry fairy cakes—it was one of those cozy afternoons where the weather was just perfect for baking. I had a craving for something light and sweet, so I decided to try Mary Berry’s classic recipe. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, my kitchen was filled with the warm, buttery scent of freshly baked cakes. As I iced each little fairy cake, I couldn’t wait to take that first bite. The soft, fluffy texture and the smooth, sweet icing made them absolutely irresistible. These Mary Berry fairy cakes quickly became my go-to treat for family gatherings and afternoon teas. If you’re looking for something simple yet delicious, trust me, these little cakes will not disappoint!

Ingredients

½ cup (115g) salted butter, softened
1 cup (115g) all-purpose flour
2 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup + 1 tablespoon (115g) granulated sugar
1¾ cups (225g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons warm water
Sweets, to decorate

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper cases.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or just a wooden spoon for this.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture. Be gentle while mixing, so you don’t deflate the batter.

Spoon the batter into the cupcake cases, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the icing. In a bowl, combine the sifted confectioners’ sugar and warm water. Stir until you get a smooth, thick icing. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, one drop at a time.

Spread the icing on top of each cake, covering the top evenly. Be sure to let the icing set for a few minutes.
Decorate with sweets of your choice—sprinkles, small candy pieces, or even colored sugar work great.

How to Make Orange Fairy Cakes

If you’re in the mood for a citrus twist, you can easily turn your Mary Berry fairy cakes into delicious orange fairy cakes! Simply follow the same recipe, but with a little added zest. Grate the zest of one orange and mix it in with the other ingredients for a burst of fresh, tangy flavor. For the icing, instead of using just water, gradually blend confectioners’ sugar with the juice of one orange until you get a thick, smooth icing. This adds a lovely citrusy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy cakes. Orange fairy cakes are just as easy to make and will be a hit for anyone who loves a bit of fruity flavor in their treats!

A Fun and Easy Recipe for Kids and the Whole Family to Enjoy

Making Mary Berry fairy cakes is a fun activity that kids can easily join in on! They can help with measuring and mixing the ingredients, which is always a great way for them to learn about baking. Let them spoon the batter into the cupcake cases—it’s a simple and safe task for little hands. Once the cakes are baked and cooled, kids can have a blast spreading the icing and decorating with sprinkles or their favorite sweets. It’s a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen and enjoy a sweet treat afterwards!