How many cupcakes do I need?
As a rule of thumb, allow one cupcake per adult and one to one-and-a-half per child, or two minis per person. For events with a buffet and dessert, you can scale back a little. For a cupcake tower at a wedding, many couples add a small cutting cake on top and plan for one cupcake per guest.
- Office treat โ 1 per person, plus a few extras
- Children's party โ 1โ1.5 per child, and some for the adults
- Baby shower or hen party โ 1โ2 per guest, often minis
- Wedding โ 1 per guest alongside a small top cake
Signs of a well-made cupcake
The sponge should be domed only slightly, golden on top and moist โ not dry or crumbly โ and the case should cling to the cake rather than peeling away. The topping should be in proportion, piped neatly and taste of butter, chocolate or cream cheese rather than just sugar. Filled cupcakes, with a centre of curd, jam or caramel, are a sign of a baker who goes the extra mile.