A cupcake is a small cake made from a mix or a batter, baked in a muffin pan to create a individual round of dough with a distinctive flat top. It may be decorated with frosting, sprinkles, candy, or other confectionary. Individually sized, cupcakes can be baked in place of larger cakes for a more personal dessert or for use at parties and celebrations. Cupcakes can also be topped with elaborate decorations or toppings, such as flowers, chocolate shavings, candies, and plastic models.

While there are many variants of the cupcake, most recipes for this treat call for a light batter and a sweet icing or topping. Depending on the recipe, these items can be whipped or creamed together for a light, fluffy consistency. A light batter allows the cake to rise and produces a flat surface that is easy to decorate. In contrast, a more dense batter can cause the cake to over-rise and produce a cracked top or a dense texture that is difficult to decorate.

The batter used in a cupcake can be flavored with extracts or spices or have additional ingredients stirred in, such as nuts, berries, fruits, or chocolate chips. It is often a simple cake recipe that bakes at a lower temperature and for a shorter amount of time than regular-sized layer cakes. This allows the interior to set and develop a light, soft, and moist crumb.

Despite their smaller size, cupcakes are more versatile than a traditional cake because they can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are also a popular choice for children’s birthday parties because they eliminate the need to cut a slice of cake for each guest and can be made without ingredients that may be harmful to young children.

Muffins and cupcakes have similarities in terms of flavor, but there are several differences between them that make them distinct. Muffins are small quickbreads, usually made using the “muffin method,” in which butter and sugar are creamed with other wet and dry ingredients. This results in a light, airy batter with a coarser crumb than that of a standard cake recipe.

Many cupcake recipes use the cake mixing method, in which the wet and dry ingredients are added separately and then quickly combined to prevent gluten development. This gives the batter a lighter texture and more consistent structure than a muffin recipe. These recipes often include healthier alternatives to the standard fats and flours, such as apple sauce or whole-wheat flour.