Based on the number of new cookbooks, cupcakes seem to be America’s favorite treat.  Even the plainest of cupcakes piled high with frosting can make a person’s mouth water, and if you really want to challenge your sweet tooth, then Lizzy Early’s “Your Cup of Cake” qualifies as heavenly.

 

 It includes nearly 100 ideas for simple to eye-popping creations; classic recipes include Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream, Very Vanilla Cupcakes, Double Chocolate Cupcakes as well as Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcakes and Banana Cream Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache.  There is a chapter on Sweet Breakfasts which include Blueberry Pancake Cupcakes, Cinnamon Toast Cupcakes, French Toast Cupcakes and Maple Bacon Cupcakes.

 

For those who want to make something for a special occasion or a party, then don’t miss those chapters which include Banana Split Cupcakes, Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes and Apple Cookie Dough Cupcakes.  Then there are more recipes for Orange White Chocolate Cupcakes, Chocolate Chili Cupcakes and Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes.

 

If you are looking for something special for the holidays try Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Fruity Fourth Cupcakes and Mustache Cupcakes (Father’s Day.)  And for kids, who can resist Rainbow Cupcakes, Pretty Pink Cupcakes and Snow Cone Cupcakes.

 

There are color photographs of each finished treat as well as additional photographs for special decorating techniques.  The concluding chapter details how to make basic buttercream, piping, classic bakery swirl, rose technique and ganache.

 

So for everyone who loves cupcakes, Lizzy Early has provided a mouth-watering primer of inspiration.  She has a very popular blog and there are even more recipes at www.yourcupofcake.com.

 

Editor's Note: Cover and Inside photos courtesy of yourcupofcake.com