Michelle Darmody: How to bake the perfect fairy cake — and the mistakes to avoid

There are endless variations on the cupcake and endless arguments about how best to ice them.

Cupcakes, or fairy cakes as they were known as in Ireland up until a decade ago, have an enduring popularity. 

They moved from children's party staple to fancy wedding adornment, a cupcake tower is very handy for weddings guests and party goers, each one a perfect single serve.