There's no doubt cupcakes are the new black. They always look good, fantastic even and when you're feeling grouchy and unattractive, a cupcake puts a smile on your face. Just enough sugar and cream to make you grin, but not too much that you fall into a 'what the hell just happened to my diet' slump, cupcakes are my favourite treat!
Cupcakes have been a children's party favourite for decades in the US, Canada, Australia and across Europe. Your mum would always cook up a tray or two of cupcakes and smother them with pink or blue icing (depending on whether you were a boy or a girl) and sprinkle on few silver balls. Man were you happy... possibly due to the energy high all that sugar and the chemicals in the icing's food colouring gave you or, more likely, because even then you saw cupcakes as something special.
But over the last couple of years, there's been a real trend lift in cupcakes and these handfuls of spongy goodness have morphed into a seductive and adult treat. Not just for pink loving, kitten hugging, I believe in miracles girly girls, cupcakes are becoming a staple at high end fashion events, weddings, corporate conferences and in your local cafe.
The beauty of cupcakes is in the great designs, we've seen cakes look like iPhones, burgers, small animals, you name the theme and a cupcake is going to suit. There's also something about the single serving, if you get the numbers right, you know there's going to be enough for everyone - nothing like dishing out the last slice of the birthday cake and realising mad Auntie Phyllis didn't get any.
Cupcakes seem to cheer people up. Why is not clear, but there could be a connection between the fact that they were part of lots of special occasions in your childhood that seeing a cupcake instantly brings back good memories.
The range of flavours cupcakes come in is amazing too. They do not even have to be made out of traditional sponge and icing. Try a Cocoloco made with coconut milk sponge and chocolate or a Harvest Spice that is topped with a icing made using butter-nut squash. People are even making cheesecakes in the shape of cupcakes. You just cannot go wrong with a cupcake.
Cupcakes have been a children's party favourite for decades in the US, Canada, Australia and across Europe. Your mum would always cook up a tray or two of cupcakes and smother them with pink or blue icing (depending on whether you were a boy or a girl) and sprinkle on few silver balls. Man were you happy... possibly due to the energy high all that sugar and the chemicals in the icing's food colouring gave you or, more likely, because even then you saw cupcakes as something special.
But over the last couple of years, there's been a real trend lift in cupcakes and these handfuls of spongy goodness have morphed into a seductive and adult treat. Not just for pink loving, kitten hugging, I believe in miracles girly girls, cupcakes are becoming a staple at high end fashion events, weddings, corporate conferences and in your local cafe.
The beauty of cupcakes is in the great designs, we've seen cakes look like iPhones, burgers, small animals, you name the theme and a cupcake is going to suit. There's also something about the single serving, if you get the numbers right, you know there's going to be enough for everyone - nothing like dishing out the last slice of the birthday cake and realising mad Auntie Phyllis didn't get any.
Cupcakes seem to cheer people up. Why is not clear, but there could be a connection between the fact that they were part of lots of special occasions in your childhood that seeing a cupcake instantly brings back good memories.
The range of flavours cupcakes come in is amazing too. They do not even have to be made out of traditional sponge and icing. Try a Cocoloco made with coconut milk sponge and chocolate or a Harvest Spice that is topped with a icing made using butter-nut squash. People are even making cheesecakes in the shape of cupcakes. You just cannot go wrong with a cupcake.
About the Author:
The yorkshire Pantry has some great designs for cupcakes. If you want inspiration for cupcakes this site is for you.