Looking for a Baking Specialty? Consider Cupcakes!

Can't say exactly when it happened, but cupcakes have made a really big comeback. The "Once Upon a Time" primarily, children's dessert is now a favorite of all ages and for all occasions.

Many businesses are cashing in on this relatively simple-to-make, easy-to-frost and decorate dessert. If not as a specialty business, they're adding cupcakes to their current product line.

Just how versatile can a cupcake be? Well, you can use almost any cake batter that's appropriate for a larger cake. Sizewise there's everything from a mini to a king size that's so large it's baked in two parts (Super Duper Cupcake Pan). There are hundreds of ways to decorate. There is a complete wardrobe of accessories to give each cupcake a well-dressed polished presentation. Items like: cupcake baking liners, cupcake wrappers, cupcake sleeves (in many colors and designs), bakery boxes (in white and pink) and special inserts for the bakery boxes all help to give your products and business a professional look. You're limited only to your imagination and creativity.

How much can you charge for cupcakes? Prices range from $1.50 - $4.00 per cupcake and possibly more. Your prices should be based on: the amount of ingredients and decorations/garnishes used, the types of ingredients used (higher quality equals higher price), start-to-finish production time (some cake batters and decorations are more involved and elaborate than others), special packaging and the size of the cupcake.

Who's interested in buying cupcakes and for what reasons? Cupcakes are in demand for both business and personal. There's a cupcake market for: theme parties and events, holidays, special occasions, weddings, Sunday dinner, just because and treat yourself. For the healthier lifestyle, there are vegan cupcakes. Hard to think of any occasion or need that's not covered.

Specialty bakeries like CamiCakes in Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta,GA, Sweet Carolina Cupcakes in Hilton Head, SC, George Town Cupcakes in Washington, DC, Molly's Cupcakes in Chicago, Il The Atlanta Cupcake Factory in Atlanta, GA and Gigi's Cupcakes in Nashville, TN (with locations in 8 other states) are just a few of the many cupcake specialists around the country. Got a minute? Checkout the online comments from their customers. Definitely food for thought if you're planning to offer cupcakes in your product line. It's great when you can learn from someone else's success or mistakes, whichever the case might be.

Still looking for indications that the cupcake business is hot? The Food Network Channel has a tv show, "CupCake Wars", that's all about cupcakes. Want more? There's also a website dedicated to chatting about cupcakes, CupcakeBlog.com.

If the baking and selling of these sweet little desserts interest you, I suggest you get in while it's HOT. Just choose your most popular cake flavors and frostings. Create a few kicked-up designs. Choose the proper packaging, so that your cupcakes are not squashed or smashed when the bakery box is closed. Do a little research to find out what the going prices are in your area. Decide price(s) best for you. Create a good marketing strategy. Make sure you have the proper license and permits to operate a baking business. And you're ready to bake and sell cupcakes. Tip: Don't forget quality. Quality is always KEY in the food business.

Happy Cupcake Baking!!!