Cupcake

A cupcake is a delightful, single-serving cake typically baked in a small, thin paper or aluminum cup. These tasty treats have a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, with the term "cupcake" first appearing in the early 19th century. Originally, the term referred to both cakes baked in pottery cups and cakes with ingredients measured by the cup.

The basic cupcake recipe requires familiar ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, with the option to add various flavors and mix-ins to create a wide range of tastes. Due to their small size, cupcakes bake much faster than traditional cakes. They can be topped with frosting, filled with delectable fillings, and decorated for any special occasion. Variants of cupcakes include mug cakes, jar cakes, butterfly cakes, gourmet cupcakes, and cake pops, among others.

Typically, cupcakes are baked in muffin tins, often lined with paper liners to facilitate easy removal and to keep them moist. These liners come in various sizes and materials such as paper, aluminum foil, or silicone rubber. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in specialty cupcake shops, some of which have gained fame through television shows.

For home bakers, cupcake kits are available to help create themed batches perfect for parties. Cupcakes are also featured in unique celebrations, such as the periodic table of cupcakes. This creative idea, where each cupcake represents an element of the periodic table, started in 1907 and has since become a popular way to engage students and the public in science.