Questions about cupcakes from a novice

[JohnSnowsTie]

Do you use muffin cases, or smaller?

How much mixture do you pour in?

How high in the cases should the cakes be when baked? Right up to the brim, or a bit lower? My intention is to pipe frosting onto the cakes but not sure whether the icing needs to sit high or still within the case, iyswim.

Oh and one more stupid question - when using a silicone tray when's the best way to transport it to the oven without spilling everything?!

I use muffin cases and fill them 1/2 full. They then rise to the top of the case and the icing sits on top. Put the silicone cases on a baking tray

I use muffin cases. I fill them by using an icecream scoop. One scoop in each.

I also put the silicone tray on a thin baking tray.

Thanks both!

me too, always use an icecream scoop, gives exactly the same size cake everytime.

OMG an ice cream scoop. Why did I not think of that?!? School has a cake sale next week, perfect timing as I've offered bake an unfeasibly large number of cakes!

I use an icecream scoop and coloured cupcake cases (not mini ones) To ensure you get a flat top for decorating have the oven slightly cooler than recommended.
Try this link for cupcake baking tips.

www.cupcakedecoration.co.uk/cupcaketips.html