WHAT ARE CUPCAKES

Cupcakes are small, individual cakes that are contained inside a paper or foil case. The name derives from the method of making the cakes . In the nineteenth century they were called muffins. The way to measure out the ingredients for the cake was by a container such as a cup of regular or standard size. This was used instead of weighing scales. The name could also come from the baking containers or trays that are used to cook the cupcakes. These trays contain twelve or more cup shaped spaces of equal size, which are greased and then the mixture is placed into it or within each space a paper or foil case is placed and then the cupcake mixture is placed inside. Cupcake is what they are usually called in the U.S. but similar cakes can be found worldwide with similar or different names such as Angel Cakes and Fairy Cakes.

Another cake which cupcakes are similar to is the Victoria Sponge cake. The cupcake is the same mixture but a smaller version. The cakes are made from the same four ingredients in the same ratio; butter, flour, sugar and eggs. In the recipes that have evolved these four ingredients have been slightly altered and added to, so that there are now many variations on the theme and a chance for everyone to create their own very individual cupcakes for all occassions.

Cupcakes are used for all types of celebrations such as Birthday parties, Halloween, Christmas, Anniversaries, Christenings and Weddings to name a few. The advantage is they can be made in advance and stored easily, they can be transported easily in trays and because they are in paper cases they do not require as many plates and they are suitable for all types of decoration.