National Cupcake Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to those perfectly portioned, individually-sized cakes that have become a beloved dessert worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 15th
- Tagged as: Food Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCupcakeDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear
History of National Cupcake Day
The cupcake’s story begins in the late 1700s when they were originally called “1-2-3-4 cakes” due to their simple recipe measurements. Initially baked in teacups before the invention of specialized muffin tins, these treats have evolved from simple yellow cakes to today’s elaborate creations.
Timeline
- 1796: First recipe for small cup-baked cakes appears
- 1828: Term “cupcake” first appears in Eliza Leslie’s cookbook
- 2005: Sprinkles opens world’s first cupcake-only bakery
- 2011: World’s largest cupcake record set at 2,594 pounds
- 2012: First Cupcake ATM debuts in Beverly Hills
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | Dec 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | Dec 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Dec 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | Dec 15 | Thursday |
Observed
Celebrated through baking competitions, special bakery offerings, and home baking activities. Many bakeries offer special promotions and unique flavors on this day.
Fun Facts About Cupcakes
- Originally served as savory dishes with gravy
- Were baked in actual teacups before muffin tins
- The term “fairy cake” is used in British English
- Hostess produces over 600 million cupcakes annually
- Vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet are the most popular wedding flavors
Quiz
- When was the first cupcake recipe published?
- What was the original name for cupcakes?
- How heavy was the world’s largest cupcake?
-(Answers: 1796, 1-2-3-4 cake, 2,594 pounds)
FAQs
Q: Is there another cupcake holiday?
A: Yes, National Chocolate Cupcake Day is celebrated on October 18th
Q: Why are they called cupcakes?
A: They were originally baked in cups and measured using cups instead of weight
Importance of National Cupcake Day
This celebration highlights culinary creativity, brings people together, and supports local bakeries while preserving an important part of dessert history.
Related
- National Chocolate Cupcake Day
- National Baking Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Cake Day
- National Pastry Day