A cupcake is a small cake that’s typically topped with frosting. They’re commonly made to celebrate birthdays, although they can also be used as treats for any occasion.

Cupcakes are typically baked in specialized muffin tins or molds that contain several interconnected cups for batter. This allows them to rise quickly and maintain their shape after baking. Muffin tins are typically made of metal with or without a non-stick surface, and are available in both miniature and standard sizes.

They’re also sometimes baked in individual ramekins, large coffee mugs, or other pottery-type dishes that are ovenproof and suitable for use as baking pans. They may be baked in a double layer of paper cupcake liners, or they can be made on a flat baking sheet.

Many bakers also like to decorate their cupcakes with a variety of sweets and decorations, including sprinkles, plastic models, or writing. They also often add a variety of flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla.

The top of a cupcake is usually covered with a sweet, creamy frosting. This frosting can vary from the simple buttercream that is commonly used on cakes to more elaborate cream cheese, cream, or whipped topping.

Some bakers will also decorate their cupcakes with a variety of candy, such as candies, chocolate, or nuts. The decorations are usually applied in moderation so that the cake doesn’t look overstuffed or messy.

Traditionally, cupcakes were baked in heavy pottery cups or ramekins. Today, most cupcakes are baked in specialized muffin tins that are made from stainless steel or other metals and include six or twelve depressions or “cups.” These pans can be found at most grocery stores, and they’re often cheaper than ramekins or individual pottery cups.

When it comes to decorating cupcakes, bakers can add a variety of decorations and embellishments, including flowers, leaves, writing, and other fun designs. They can also add a variety of frostings, including the classic buttercream and the more elaborate whipped topping, cream cheese, or chocolate-based frostings that are often used on red velvet cupcakes.

They’re also sometimes used to make a periodic table of cupcakes, which are decorated in such a way as to represent the elements on the periodic table. This type of arrangement is a popular activity for schoolchildren.

Cupcakes can be made from a wide range of cake recipes, and they’re usually easier to bake than layer cakes, because the batter can be divided into smaller quantities, which means that the baking process is quicker and less complicated. They can be baked at lower temperatures than layer cakes, which helps to reduce the risk of over-baking and creating cracks in the cake’s surface.

The batter should be slightly thicker than regular cake batter, as this will allow it to rise more rapidly and retain its shape after baking. The batter should also be relatively fluid, since this will help it to spread during baking, which is essential for a smooth and even appearance on the top of a cupcake.