Evolution of Cupcakes

‘A mini cake designed to serve one person’, that is the official definition of a cupcake. But is that all? A cupcake is more than that. It is a fluffy, sweet and warm dessert which can fill anyone’s heart with joy. It is like a magical sweet treat which can bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Did you know that this delicious palm-sized cake has a day dedicated to it? Cupcake day is celebrated on the 15th December every year. This delicious treat has a very fascinating history.

History Of Cupcakes

The first cupcake came into knowledge around the 19th century in the United States of America. The recipe of the cupcake was introduced in 1796, in a cookbook by Amelia Simmons. When the recipe was introduced, it was called ‘a light cake to bake in small cups.’ It was 32 years later- in 1828 when these treats got their name “Cupcakes.” Eliza Leslie, a food expert published her cookbook ‘Receipts’, wherein she introduced us to cupcakes.

In the 19th century, before muffin tins or ramekins were available, cupcakes were baked in individual pottery cups. It is also said that the ingredients used to bake cupcakes were measured in a cup, and not a spoon which is why it is called a ‘Cupcake.’

The recipe and measurement of a cupcake were done like- 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs, which is why it often called 1 2 3 4 Cake.

In the beginning, a glaze was poured over these little treats before baking it to create a hard, glossy outer-layer, but now we use piping bags. Although bakers started baking cupcakes immediately after the recipe was revealed but didn’t sell it commercially until 1919. The very first commercially sold cupcake was by the brand Hostess.

Cupcakes, also known as fairy cakes or patty cakes have a very interesting history. It sure does deserve to be celebrated.

Cupcake Timeline

• 1796- Cupcake Recipe Introduced as a ‘light cake to bake in small cups.’
• 1828- Got its name ‘Cupcake.’
• 1919- Hostess introduced Cupcakes
• 1920- Cupcakes started to get hand-iced with chocolate or vanilla icing.
• 1940- Cupcakes were experimented with malted icing.
• 1947- Cupcakes were redesigned by Dr. Doc Rice
• 2000s- Cupcakes actually gained popularity.

So, did you know these delicious treats went through a makeover?