Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Psychology of Cupcakes

Cupcakes are in the news again!

If it's in Times Online, then it must be true! The Psychology of Cupcakes - an article that details the social science behind our love of the sweet goodness that is the cupcake during the economically depressing time - is a wealth of rationalization. The cupcake is said to have been "the affordable treat that you don't have to share" and reminds us of a more prosperous time as in the 1950s. However, they go on to ruin the article with the nutrition facts - if you're eating a delicious dark chocolate cupcake with white, fluffy frosting, then you're not thinking about the calories. DUH UK press!

They also attribute the rise of cupcake popularity to the Sex and the City series... I beg to differ! I love Sex and the City as much as any city girl, but cupcakes have been hot since I was five! They are fun, festive, and classic. In a society so focused on weight control, cupcakes provide the perfect indulgence and portion control. Not to mention they are freakin adorable!

What I found fascinating however, was the list of popular British cupcake bakeries as well as the explanation of "fairy cake" a popular dessert in the UK (pictures to the right), which is similar to a cupcake but the icing is thinner and flatter... any UK Cupcaketeers out there who care to elaborate? All I know is that I need to try British cupcakes and these mythical fairy cakes - for research!

IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE.

Here are some of the hot shops in the UK listed in the article:

Cupcake

www.cupcakeglasgow.com/
*includes "cocktail cupcakes" with vodka and rum





Hummingbird Bakery

www.hummingbirdbakery.com/flash.html
*sells the iconic Magnolia Bakery ‘Red Velvet’ cupcake



Indulgence Cupcake Company

www.indulgence-cupcakes.co.uk/
*famous for its ‘Or-Eh-Oh!’ cupcake - count me in!!




Macaroon

www.macaroonbyalisonseagrave.co.uk/
*serves light cupcakes and, of course, macaroons



Primrose Bakery

www.primrosebakery.org.uk/
*popular with local celebrities, uses rose and ginger in some cupcakes




Sweet Tooth Cupcakery
www.sweettoothcupcakery.co.uk/
*showcases the ‘Kylie’ raspberry-dotted vanilla sponge with real raspberry buttercream





Well, that's settled. I'm booking my trip to London ASAP :-D

3 comments:

  1. thinking about calories in cupcakes ruins the fun -- or does it? maybe it adds to the fun by knowing you are breaking rules!

    thanks for doing the very scientific research for us, cheryl :)

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  2. "Cocktail Cupcakes" sounds like something that's right up my alley!

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  3. I LOVE cupcakes! I'll book a seat right next to yours since I've ALWAYS wanted to go to London! And what better reason than to get cupcakes? LOL! Thanks for sharing!

    http://peebsandroo.blogspot.com/

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