Preheat the oven to 180C ... or until the cupcakes are lightly golden on top and toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before transferring ...

Preheat the oven to 170C/160C Fan/Gas 3½ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake cases. Sift the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large mixing bowl.