Generally, a cupcake is a small cake made for one person. They may be baked in a small thin paper cup or aluminum cup. They may be topped with frosting, fruit, or other cake decorations. They may also be filled with pastry cream or jam.

Historically, cupcakes were baked in small, cup-shaped tins. During the early 19th century, they were also baked in molds and pottery cups. Initially, the name “cup cake” came from the idea of measuring cakes in small cups. However, it is unclear when the term was first used.

Today, cupcakes are made in muffin tins, which are specialized pans designed to hold six or twelve cakes. They can be baked at lower temperatures and take less time to cook than larger cakes. They also have a lighter texture and a lower fat content. However, they may be made with a standard cake batter and filled with cream cheese or jam. Often, bakers pipe on decorative elements, such as sprinkles and plastic models.

The cupcake has a reputation for infantilizing and twee. Its frilly characteristics recall the effeminate qualities of gay men. It also has a nostalgic appeal that appeals to people who believe that sweets are naughty. These attributes make the cupcake an attractive treat for men with power and control.

The cupcake also serves as a symbol of health and predictability. Unlike a traditional cake, the cupcake has a lower fat content and a smaller surface area. It is low in calories, and also uses less energy to make. It can be made with nearly any recipe that is suitable for a layer cake.

The cupcake was made famous as a result of the #MeToo social media movement. This hashtag compares the user’s favorite childhood dessert to the current trend of sexual harassment. It has been seen in hundreds of thousands of videos.

The phrase “Keep Calm” was also popular. It was originally used as a propaganda poster during World War II. It evokes nostalgia for a time when everything was perfect. However, a more modern version of the phrase uses cupcakes as a representation of the current social climate. It may also be used as a way to promote public engagement with science. For example, it can be frosted with a chemical symbol to represent the elements of the periodic table.

Cupcakes were also used as a way to attract attention to women’s rights. For example, Ida Freund, the first woman to teach chemistry in the UK, made periodic table cupcakes as a way to engage with her students. Using cupcakes in this way helps engage the public with science.

Cupcakes have become a popular food trend, and have been featured in hundreds of thousands of videos. They have also gained a following through social media, including the popular hashtag “#likeyouhaveacupcake” (which has over 3.5 million views).

Cupcakes are also a popular way to celebrate chemistry. They can be frosted with a chemical element and colored to represent that element.