A cupcake is a small cake baked in a container shaped like a cup and often with icing on top. They are often sold as individual cakes and can be made in a variety of flavors and toppings. They are a popular dessert, and are generally eaten as a snack or for special occasions. The cupcake is also a symbol of femininity and romance and has become a common element of weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

Cooking activities provide many opportunities for children to learn about the chemistry of baking and about design. For example, when making cupcakes, children can practice measuring ingredients by spoonfuls. They can also discuss how the size of a spoon affects the amount of batter that is poured into each cup.

For more advanced students, they can create and test several different recipes for homemade cupcakes. The results will help them understand how different ingredients and cooking techniques impact the final product. For instance, a cupcake recipe with higher butter or oil content will produce a richer, denser cake than one that is lower in fat.

When making cupcakes, it is important to use paper liners to prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan and breaking or crumbling. These liners are fluted for a good reason—the curve of the liner allows for air circulation, which helps the cakes bake faster and more evenly. The liners also make it easier for the cupcakes to be removed from the pan after they are done baking.

Another way to help the cupcakes bake evenly is to bake them at a slightly lower temperature than the recipe recommends. Overbaking can cause the center to dry out and crack. The cupcakes should also be placed in a preheated oven because the metal in the muffin tins conducts heat more efficiently than regular baking pans.

The last section of the business plan focuses on explaining how you will meet your cupcake company’s goals and objectives. For example, if your business is going to be selling cupcakes to corporations, you will likely need to advertise to that market differently than you would if you were targeting individuals. You can also include specific short-term and long-term goals in this section. For example, a cupcake company might document the dates when it hopes to reach its first $100,000 in revenue and when it expects to open a second bakery location.