introduction…

Cupcakes are taking the world by storm, and I think I know why – put simply, baking and decorating cupcakes is fun, rewarding and not too time consuming. On my travels around the globe I’ve seen cupcakes in all shapes and sizes, in tiny little boutique cake shops and large supermarkets. I have also been given them as welcome gifts – everyone loves a cupcake!

I’m completely hooked on making cupcakes, and you probably will be too after reading this book! I’ve included some fabulously tasty recipes that are easy and straightforward to make, and I hope you enjoy experimenting with them as much as I have! Most cupcake recipes only take 20 minutes to bake, so by the time you’ve washed up and put everything away the cakes are ready – now that’s what I call perfect timing.

Cupcake decorating is all about personal taste, imagination and suitability for the occasion. There are endless possibilities, so I hope that the cupcakes I have created on the following pages will inspire you to have a go or to be a little bit more adventurous. I have used different types of coverings to appeal to all palettes, and have really pushed the boat out when it comes to the actual decoration.

I want to put the humble cupcake at centre stage to show the world just what it can be – a beautiful, ‘collectable’, miniature work of art that is a true taste sensation and not just a fashionable cake to bake!

Have fun