National Cupcake Day 🧁

Overview

A sweet celebration observed annually on December 15th, dedicated to the delightful, individually-sized cakes known as cupcakes. It's a day to bake, share, and enjoy these miniature treats in all their glorious flavors and decorations, bringing joy and a touch of whimsy to everyone.

Origin and story

The first recorded mention of a 'cup cake' was in Amelia Simmons's 'American Cookery' in 1796, referring to a cake baked in small cups.

The term 'cupcake' later came to mean a cake whose ingredients were measured by the cup, not necessarily baked in one.

Quick facts

• DateDecember 15
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

The cupcake didn't get its famous squiggly white line until 1950 — for its first three decades on shelves, the Hostess CupCake was just a plain devil's food cake with chocolate icing.

Have one

Celebrate by:

• Getting an actual cupcake today, homemade or from a bakery.
• Comparing a classic Hostess-style cupcake to a modern bakery version.

See how the commercial cupcake evolved

Helpful resources:

• Happy Birthday: The 100-Year History of the Hostess CupCake (BakeryAndSnacks)

Did you know?

The Hostess CupCake first went on sale on May 10, 1919, as the "Chocolate Cup Cake" from Taggart Bakery, selling two for a nickel — the vanilla creme filling and signature squiggle line weren't added until decades later, in 1950.

Fun facts

• The first recorded mention of a 'cup cake' was in Amelia Simmons's 'American Cookery' in 1796, referring to a cake baked in small cups.
• The term 'cupcake' later came to mean a cake whose ingredients were measured by the cup, not necessarily baked in one.
• Cupcakes were originally baked in heavy pottery cups or ramekins before the invention of the muffin tin made individual baking easier.
• The world's largest cupcake weighed 1,224 pounds and was made in Michigan, USA, in 2009.
• Red Velvet is consistently one of the most popular cupcake flavors worldwide.
• Cupcakes gained significant popularity in the early 21st century, often associated with specialty bakeries and gourmet flavors.

Sources and attribution

Happy Birthday: The 100-Year History of the Hostess CupCake (BakeryAndSnacks)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

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FAQ

When is National Cupcake Day?

It is observed on December 15 each year.

What is National Cupcake Day?

A sweet celebration observed annually on December 15th, dedicated to the delightful, individually-sized cakes known as cupcakes. It's a day to bake, share, and enjoy these miniature treats in all their glorious flavors and decorations, bringing joy and a touch of whimsy to everyone.

How do people celebrate National Cupcake Day?

Get a cupcake and compare a classic Hostess-style version to a modern bakery cupcake.

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