A Cake in a Cup A Cake in a Cup

A CHILD MAY WONDER AT THE GENIUS OF A CAKE THAT FITS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, BUT LATELY EVEN ADULTS HAVE BECOME MORE APPRECIATIVE OF THIS TASTY LITTLE TREAT.

BY AYESHA AMED

The cupcake somehow manages to consummate sophistication in baked goods, but still remains relatively inexpensive. In the past decade, the popularity of cupcakes has grown exponentially, even invading the high-class club of wedding cake options. The cupcake has not accomplished this feat by accident; it has many features admirable in a pastry. A cupcake has the convenience of a candy bar with its small size, but provides the satisfaction of a small slice of cake. Perhaps the allure of the cupcake is in its cuteness, or that it must be unwrapped like a gift. Whatever the case, cupcake shops may soon replace trendy coffee shops, becoming the master destination for short excursions by the middle class.

Wedding cupcakes became ideal as couples began to find more ways to save money on a wedding without eliminating elegance. Traditionally less expensive, wedding cupcakes can appear just as beautiful as a wedding cake, and even come with all the flavors. They are often favored because they are easily distributable, and couples do not have to waste extra time or money trying to cut equal slices for everyone. If couples prefer, they can even have the cupcakes elaborately iced, like a wedding cake. With absolutely no downside, replacing wedding cakes with cupcakes is becoming the new norm.

Raise the bar! Surround your traditional wedding cake with beautifully decorated sweets. Create a wedding cake bar, complete with wedding cake, cupcakes and macaroons too! Have your cake and cupcakes too!

More recently, the king of pastries, which cupcakes were created to imitate, have ironically been altered to imitate cupcakes in return. The Big Top Cupcake is a baking pan used to bake cupcake shaped cakes. With a simple non-stick baking pan, this giant cupcake maker allows the baker the option to fill and decorate the giant cupcake with ease. An embarrassing blow for cakes everywhere, the Big Top Cupcake is a favorite for kids who love recognizing their beloved cupcake in an extravagant size. No pastry has replaced its predecessor with such style.

Although the economic recession has affected many industries, cupcake shops are still sprouting up all over the nation. With newly gained popularity and customers appreciative of an inexpensive fancy treat, the forgotten favorite is asserting its position as the best sweet of America. Basking in the jealousy of cakes and muffins everywhere, cupcake shops have just one thing to say: look out Starbucks!