Caitlin Cussen is very handy to have around. The 12-year-old has two little sisters, who she loves very much, and is a great help to her mam, Christine, in the kitchen.

She is a great student, too - a few weeks ago, she was featured in Irish Country Living when she penned a short article about a local food day held at her school. Today, she's sharing her recipe for a traditional favourite, her "old school" vanilla cake (with sprinkles, of course). This is right up our alley at Irish Country Living - and sounds like the perfect treat to have with a cup of tea.

If you have a budding culinarian in your house, send their cooking videos to our WhatsApp - 089 249 9922, or email ICL@farmersjournal.ie. Keep up the great cooking, everyone!

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Caitlin's Old School Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

350g butter (room temperature)

350g caster sugar

350g self-raising flour

5 large eggs

100ml milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

For the icing:

400g icing sugar

8 tbsp milk

Sprinkles, for decoration

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 3 (160°C) and line a traybake pan with parchment. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Add the flour and milk. Mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the lined cake tray and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Allow the cake to cool and make the icing, by mixing the icing sugar with the milk. When the cake has cooled, pour the icing over the top and spread evenly. Add the sprinkles and enjoy!