Why can't I bake cupcakes?

[Blacksquirrel]

I have lost count of the recipes I have tried for making simple cupcakes & they always turn out flat & dry.
Today I tried the hummingbird recipe baked at 150 in a fan oven for approx 30 mins (by the time they had some colour) & again stuck to the paper cases & dry. :(

Can someone provide a foolproof recipe with exact instructions as if teaching a 5 year old? I must be doing something wrong & just can't work it out.

By the way I only have a n electric whisk type hand mixer (about 60 yrs old...from my mum...who incidentally also isn't very good in the baking dept).

I am determined to one day turn up to a school cake sale with delicious cupcakes!

Thank you.

I find this foolproof
150g stork
150g caster sugar
175g self raising flour
3 eggs
1tsp vanilla extract

Put it all in a bowl and beat for 3 mins. Mixture should go pale in colour
Place in cases (should fill 12)
Bake at 150 for 20 mins. At that temp they won't dome.

OK, this recipe is foolproof for chocolate cupcakes. It's an american recipe, so it's all in cups and the method is ridiculously simple! I've adapted it a bit, but they make amazingly moist cupcakes....and very easily.

1 1/2 cups flour (225g)
1 cup granulated sugar (225g)
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/3 cup cocoa powder (50g)
1/2 cup oil (120ml)
1 cup milk (240ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant black coffee (liquid, not just the granules!)

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas mark 4.

Mix all the ingredients together (using hand or electric whisk). Don't worry if there are still a few lumps.

Spoon into cases (about half full) and bake for approx 20 mins (check after 20 mins, if needed bake for a further 5 mins). Test with a cocktail stick, if it comes out clean, they're done.

Cool cakes and enjoy!