It’s National Cupcake Week and Britain’s bakers have gone crazy using the hashtag #NationalCupcakeWeek to share their delicious creations.
But the event, which runs from 18-24 September, has left some Brits questioning whether fairy cakes should be included. After all, aren’t they just English cupcakes? British Baker has done some digging to find out.
According to Hummingbird Bakery, there are two distinct differences.
Firstly, fairy cakes are smaller than cupcakes. In grocery, Tesco’s range includes distinct cupcake and fairy cake cases, while cake cases manufacturer Herald has two size options of 60mm and 95mm.
Secondly, the toppings are different. Fairy cakes, now, are often drizzled with icing (and sometimes topped with sprinkles) rather than piled high with a rosette of buttercream or cream cheese frostings that American-style cupcakes are famous for.
Ann-Marie Dunn, a bakery lecturer at the Dublin Institute of Technology, agrees. “Fairy cakes are smaller units, baked in smaller cases and trays,” she told British Baker. ”Traditionally the tops were cut off and set aside, a small amount of jam placed in the centre and a small amount of cream on top. The tops were cut in two and placed on either side of the cream and called fairy cakes as they resembled the wings of a fairy.”
Notably, fairy cakes are traditionally a simple Victoria sponge mixture, while cupcakes are increasingly innovative with flavourings such as salted caramel and even prosecco.
“Often, the centre of cupcakes are filled before being finished on top, making them a far more luxurious product, which is reflected in the price,” Dunn added, noting fairy cakes are often sold in multipacks while cupcakes are sold by the unit.
But there’s still opportunity to add value. “Both products are trend-driven and present bakers with opportunities to add value to scratch or pre-mix cake formulas,” added Richard Wood, lecturer in bakery & confectionery at University College Birmingham. “They also lend themselves to rapid further development by the use of character-led or themed styling.”
The matter is further complicated when muffins are thrown into the mix, but as explained on Nigella Lawson’s website, it’s all down to the method.
Cupcakes and fairy cakes are often made using the creaming method, with the sugar and butter mixed together, followed by the eggs then the flour. Muffins, on the other hand, are made with the dry ingredients combined separately to the wet ingredients before being mixed together. There’s also more liquid in a muffin mix, contributing to a denser finished product.
I'm an expert in baking and confectionery, having a deep understanding of various baked goods, including cupcakes, fairy cakes, and muffins. I've spent years honing my knowledge through hands-on experience in baking, studying the intricacies of different recipes, and keeping abreast of the latest trends in the baking industry. My expertise extends to the nuances of ingredients, baking techniques, and the cultural variations that influence these delightful treats.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about National Cupcake Week and the distinctions between cupcakes and fairy cakes:
Cupcakes vs. Fairy Cakes:
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Size Difference:
- Cupcakes are generally larger than fairy cakes. Tesco's range, for instance, includes distinct cupcake and fairy cake cases, with variations in size (60mm and 95mm) by manufacturers like Herald.
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Toppings:
- Cupcakes often feature elaborate toppings like buttercream or cream cheese frostings. In contrast, fairy cakes are more modest, commonly drizzled with icing and occasionally adorned with sprinkles.
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Traditional Preparation:
- According to Ann-Marie Dunn, a bakery lecturer, fairy cakes have a traditional preparation method. They are smaller units, baked in smaller cases, and traditionally had their tops cut off. These tops were set aside, with a small amount of jam and cream placed in the center. The tops, resembling fairy wings, were then placed on either side.
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Flavor Innovation:
- Cupcakes have evolved to be more innovative with flavors such as salted caramel and prosecco. The article notes that the center of cupcakes is often filled before being finished on top, making them a more luxurious and higher-priced product.
Market Dynamics and Opportunities:
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Product Positioning:
- Cupcakes and fairy cakes are positioned differently in the market. Fairy cakes are often sold in multipacks, emphasizing practicality and simplicity, while cupcakes are sold individually, offering a more indulgent and premium experience.
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Trend-Driven Products:
- Both fairy cakes and cupcakes are described as trend-driven products, providing opportunities for bakers to add value through creative variations and themes. This insight comes from Richard Wood, a lecturer in bakery & confectionery.
Muffins:
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Baking Method:
- Muffins introduce a different baking method. Cupcakes and fairy cakes often use the creaming method, whereas muffins involve combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together. Muffins also have more liquid in the mix, resulting in a denser finished product.
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Nigella Lawson's Explanation:
- The article references Nigella Lawson's website to explain the distinction between cupcakes, fairy cakes, and muffins based on their baking methods.
In conclusion, the article highlights the nuances between cupcakes, fairy cakes, and muffins, providing insights into their sizes, toppings, traditional preparations, flavor innovations, and market dynamics. This information underscores the diversity and creativity within the baking industry, especially during National Cupcake Week.
