Preheat oven. I set mine at 160 degrees Celsius. Line up muffin tin with cupcake holders.

Beat the margarine until creamy. Should be light and smooth.

Add sugar to margarine. Beat until fully incorporated together.

Add eggs, vanilla and strawberry essence. Ensure to mix well.

Separately in another bowl you will have sifted the flour and baking powder together.

Now in 3 batches add the flour alternating with maziwa mala. Sometimes I can use either milk or sour cream instead of mala.

Fold in the flour using a spatula until fully incorporated into the wet ingredients.

Spoon in mixture into the muffin tins to 2/3 full of the cupcake holders.

Buttercream recipe: mix all the ingredients using a hand mixer for a good smooth finish. Do this for about 5 minutes. Pipe using a piping bag and assorted nozzles tips for different designs. One can also use assorted food colours to colour the buttercream.