Since I’m always trying out new cupcake recipes (and variations to recipes), I often ask myself: what makes the perfect cupcake? Of course, there is no simple answer to this question, there are MANY things that determine the deliciousness and perfection of a cuppie. But over the years, I’ve come to believe in a few determining factors, which I’m about to share with you.

First of all the size of the cupcake. Now I know this is all subjective, and if my husband had his way cupcakes would all be the size of a King Steer Burger. Or probably bigger. But it is my belief that a cupcake must be neither too BIG (so you feel ill after finishing it) or too SMALL. I always try to find this “just right” size.

Secondly, the amount of icing has to be just right. No one likes to eat cake with just a hint of icing. Unless you’re dieting, I guess. And again I know some of you might disagree, but too much icing can actually ruin the cupcake eating experience.

Then thirdly – and this is a no-brainer – the cake texture must be just right. Cakes should be light, smooth (not crumbly or unevenly textured), and moist but not stodgy. Dry cake is not cool, right? As a baker this one is definitely my biggest challenge.

Fourthly, the icing must be delicious. Of course. I use buttercream on my cupcakes, mostly. Buttercream icing must have the right amount of butter in it though, icing that is too buttery and greasy is GROSS.

And lastly, the prettiness factor. In my opinion, a cupcake shouldn’t look like something from your grandma’s porcelain ornament collection. That is, millions of flowers and pearls and loads of plastic icing is a NO.  But it shouldn’t resemble something put together by your three year old cousin either. It should look, well, pretty.

OK, your turn, what do you guys think makes the Perfect Cupcake?

xox