Cupcake Trend. Is it over?

Before I moved to New York, and like every (most of us) woman in the world were and still obsessed with Sex in The City. When at season 3, episode 5 "No if, and, or Butts" showed Carrie and Miranda eating a scrumpious cupcake at Magnolia at the corner of Bleeker, man o man, everybody went bonkers for cupcakes.

When I was working only 5 minutes from Magnolia's at the West Village, I had to try them. OMG the first bite of Red Velvet with creamy vanilla frosting was heaven. At $3.25 a piece, I thought this is expensive but it ws well worth it. The trend started in New York City and Los Angeles and has spread all the way to the First Coast. There are a few good ones in New York besides Magnolia's, like Crumb's, Dessert Club ChikaLicious, Kyotofu, One Girl Cookies, Two Little Red Hens, Sweet Revenge, Billy's and Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Los Angeles has Sprinkles, Cake & Art, Big Man Bakes, Lark Silver Lake, Violet's and Susie's.

But this new age of the cupcake isn't just about the standard chocolate or white cupcakes. There are several unique flavors like Red Velvet Cake, Caramel, Banana, truffled Chocolate, Cinnamon, Coconut, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream and more.

Many customers say they like the idea of buying a single cupcake instead of having to buy or make a whole dozen or vice-versa. Bakery's usually sell cupcakes from $2.25 or $3.75 a piece. Some people don't agree with the price and say, "I can buy a box of Duncan Hines and do a batch of 12 for $1.59". But do we really have the time or patience? No. So you simply go to your nearest or favorite store and walk in, order your fave (mine is Red Velvet) pay $3.25 for your delightful cupcake, and ta-dah your crave is gone.

What makes cupcakes so popular?  The answer may be in their individual size; small enough to eat by yourself but big enough to satisfy a craving for something sweet. Is it their decoration? They can be plain or fancy, casual or formal, crazy colored or pristine white.

Personally I love them, I think they are fun and great to give as presents. If you have the time and patience, go ahead an bake and decorate them, go to your nearest Container Store or Big Lots and buy a cute box, bag or container and Voila! An Awesome Gift.

For all I know, cupcakes are always welcome.