Cupcakes : the perfect treat for cake lovers

The popularity of cupcakes does not seem to be slowing down. Since 2009, cupcakes have been going through a revival in popularity. Maybe it’s because people crave cake and think that cupcakes are smaller and therefore have less calories than a regular cake. Cupcakes are smaller, more portable, and they give you just enough cake to satisfy any craving you might have. Some theories also suggest that cupcakes remind us of our childhood and of happier days. It has also been suggested that the reason cupcakes are so popular is that everyone wants to be an individual and each can have the cake they want without having to give in to what the majority wants.

Whatever the reason, cupcakes are here to stay.

Cupcakes were first mentioned in 1796 in the cookbook, American Cookery, but were not known as cupcakes yet. That name was first used in 1826. Cupcakes got their name because they were originally baked in pottery cups and were the size of tea cups.Some also called them cupcakes due to recipes calling for a cup of each ingredient

Cupcakes today are not your grandmother’s cupcakes; there are so many types and ideas out there to satisfy everyone. People have opened very successful businesses that just sell cupcakes of all sorts.

Cupcake stores seem to be sprouting up everywhere. Three of the most successful are Original Cupcakes, The Cupcake Shoppe, and Sprinkles.

Original Cupcakes is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to cupcakes, they bake full-sized cakes to order including wedding cakes. They have a great variety of flavors including: Dulchelious, which features chocolate cake with a caramel cream cheese icing, a dollop of caramel and the top is sprinkled with praline; and Blue Hawaii which features coconut cake with blue vanilla butter cream and is sprinkled with coconut. The store also has a blog and a Facebook page.

The Cupcake Shoppe is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Everything is baked daily and is guaranteed fresh. They also will make wedding and other special events cakes on request. Two of the Cupcake Shoppe's flavors are: Yonge 'n' Eligible, which is a vanilla or chocolate cake topped with vanilla butter cream; and, the Curious George which is vanilla or chocolate cake with a banana buttercream frosting.

Sprinkles Bakery calls themselves the original cupcake store. The main store is located in Beverly Hills, California but there are other locations in Dallas, New York City, Chicago, Washington, DC, and several other US locations. Cupcakes can be ordered online for pickup or local delivery. They have several flavors including: Black and White, dark Belgian chocolate with vanilla icing; vegan red velvet; gluten-free red velvet; and peanut butter chip with is a peanut butter cake with peanut butter icing.

Many people, instead of having a large, expensive wedding cake, decide to have a cupcake tower in which all the guests can easily grab a cake. Cupcakes are also good for Mother’s Day gifts, or Valentine’s Day gifts, or even Christmas gifts. Most people love cupcakes if they like cake. Of course, there are diabetic, vegan and non-gluten alternative recipes. You are sure to find something to please everyone. And for those who really do not like cupcakes, you can always give them a cupcake inspired gift like an apron or a hat.

Cupcakes are easy to make at home and there are lots of cool cupcake pans that will help you create some amazing original recipes. Check out the videos below for some great recipes.

I hope you enjoyed this little foray into the world of cupcakes. If you have any ideas for cupcakes or any recipes, please share them with us in the comments capsule below.