I have this thing called Google Alerts on my email that notifies me anytime an article, blog or other mention of cupcakes is put on the internet. I get so many alerts every day that I've thought about canceling it. Still, it's fun to keep up on all the goings-on in the cupcakes world. I really can't get enough. So I was pretty shocked when this article in Newsweek (read here) came up.
You're probably too lazy (I mean, busy) to read it so I'll give you a quick summary: It says that CUPCAKES ARE OOOOOVER!!!! Who the what?!?! That's right. Done. He makes some noise about how everyone is a foodie now so they've developed sophisticated palettes and that cupcakes are, "willfully uncomplex, familiar...".
Hmm. I mean, c'mon. I consider myself someone who is borderline obsessed with food and while I do enjoy the subtle and complex approach to cooking/baking that is so now, I also appreciate the straight-forward deliciously simple offering of a cupcake. They have no bells and whistles. They don't act cool or put on airs (as my irish mother says). They're just hanging out being cupcakes. There's always going to be the new hottest thing (DONUTS?!?!?!?!) but even if the press moves on to other sweets to obsess over, I'm certain that cupcakes are here to stay.
Are you with me? What do you guys think? I'd love to hear your thoughts...
http://www.slate.com/id/2227216/?GT1=38001
I don't know if this is the same article (I didn't look at the one posted above), but it says the same thing. Phoooey! Is what I say. Cupcakes are here to stay!
BTW, I just made the Healthy Hostess cupcakes for my 3 year old's birthday bash. Everyone LOVED them! Even the ones that were initially afraid to even try them.
I read this article also! I was shocked...What else is better than a delious cupcake? The portion size is perfect, they come in an assortment of flavors to satisfy anyones sweet tooth, and honestly people...When have you ever looked at a cupcake and frowned? They make people happy. Sweet, simple and satisfying. I almost get giddy when I see a cupcake shop! But then again this is coming from a recent highschool graduate who bought 8 dozen gourmet cupcakes for her after party on top of a gigantic cake. yeahhh...i know. Also cupcakes, like cakes, can be personal. You can have them designed elegantly or cooky, colorful or not, a simple unfrosted cupcake is an outlet for your imagination. This "cupcake bubble" ain't poppin' anytime soon bud.
My first arguement is that he listed babycakes as being vegan cupcakes- which is true. But the fact that you have produced delicious gluten-free cupcakes (not to metion muffins and pies) is beyond a fad or trend. As more and more people learn they have celiac or a wheat allergy the demand for gluten free options will increase and that is not a bubble or a sugar rush. You don't get over an autoimmune disease or a chronic illness and the need for food that meets he necessary diet does not end. My second arguement is that he lumps so many different businesses together- some that are only cupcakes and some that are bakeries. Bakeries have been around forever. Cupcakes have been around forever. Neither of these are bubbles. If you provide options, quality, and meet a need (such as gluten-free) you aren't just a fad and you aren't going anywhere. Not every dotcom company busted and not every cupcake maker will either. To say cupcakes are over is like saying cakes or ice cream sundaes or brownies are over. Some things are never over.
Whoops... can you tell I was pretty riled up by the article? Read it this morning, happy to see you agree.
Cupcakes are so not over...they've just begun...screw so called sophisticated palettes!!...hehe:)
Sorry, Erin, I read that article, too. In the historical context, the author is correct.
HOWEVER, you have a vegan niche following which supercedes the cupcake niche. I believe your vegan customers will continue to keep you very busy while cupcake stores will either diversify or close.
And I love your blog!
Actually I read that article the otehr day... cant remember how I stumbled on it, but I was SOOO in disagreement with the author! I have a pretty good forecasting eye and ear myself... in product trends. Doughnuts will always be here to satisfy the bus drivers, the professionals on their way to work that dont want to spend the money at Starbucks, and the soccer mom or cub scout leader who needs that quick sweet to fill up their team and a good strong cup of coffee. But CUPCAKES? They are in a totally different realm... I mean , come on... some are hedging now at spending at Starbucks, but the CUPCAKE is HERE TO STAY for sure! From 2 yrs to 102 yrs it is loved by all, men, women, and children! Have no fear... you will be in business for along time to come!
http://twitter.com/projecthope7
yikes, what a silly article. I do believe I had cupcakes at school on say, all my birthdays since I was four. Cupcakes have become trendy, but that doesn't mean they are OUT.
...The writer who is clearly analyzing trends in the foodie industry should've picked up on the HUGE trend of vegan treats. And this trend has carried over into becoming a lifestyle option, aka here to stay...
..once you go for the *vegan* cupcakes, you won't go back.
When she referred to the Crumbs cupcakes as being a diabetic nightmare, I'd have to agree. But that doesn't mean that cupcakes are out, it's the high-sugar non-vegan junk treats that are not going to last being trendy-no matter how many rainbow sprinkles and chocolate ganache fillings they pile on top...
bottom line: Long live the cupcake. And Babycakes.
cupcakes are sooo not out. i have always seen them as a way of practicing some self-control at dessert time. not to mention that cupcakes are usually much moister (is that a word?) than an full-sized cake.
btw, you can limit how often you get your google alerts so you just get a list once a week instead of everyday - it has helped my inbox sanity a ton.
All I have to say is "WHATEVER!!!" Cupcakes were all the rage in the early 80s when I was growing up...the "thing" to take to school to share on your birthday...and they have been a front-and-center treat in my world ever since. They are comfort, love, joy. Cupcakes 4 eva!!!
Every foodie knows that it is often a chef's ability to tap into a person's nostalgia and desire for comfort that makes them wildly successful. Cupcakes are, in essence, wistful treats that remind us of our childhood. As long as there are people who read Alice In Wonderland and long for simpler times when imagination ran wild, there will be cupcakes.
i'm totally with you!! cupcakes may be a trend, but people will still love and devour them even when they're not "the latest thing."
everyone loves a personalized portion of cake!!
Newsweek is irrelevant!
cupcakes are cute and delicious. They are around forever.
Wow. Complex question about a complex topic. To cupcake...or not to cupcake. Let me commission a study and get back to you on this.
Cupcake break.
no, cupcakes are disgusting. they are typical of and epitomise america; bloated, sickly and fat, fat, fat. they are the pathetic embodiment of your childish, immature culture. they are four times as big as they need to be, as most of you are four times as big as you need to be. the only reason you all obsess over them is because they are so full of butter and sugar. the idea that anyone making the things has any talent whatsoever is ludicrous. god i wish you would all go away.
Cupcakes are so here to stay! That guy knows nothing! I will always get excited about cupcakes and always have...since I was a little girl! Rah Rah Cupcakes!! :)