It's a sweet treat that's been around for a long time, but lately its popularity has made resurgence.
Cupcake specialty shops like Cappellino's Crazy Cakes in Charlottesville are cropping up around the country. Cappellino's bakes up about 15 different flavors from chocolate with mocha butter cream to Key West lime.
"It's comfort food. It's definitely comfort food and the icing, is just, and someone has made this little cake for you and it sort of like treating yourself," said customer, Kate Steere.
Gerry Newman owns Albemarle Baking Company and said cupcakes these days aren't what they used to be when he began his career in the early 1980's. Although they've become more extravagant in design, the cupcake is still a simple indulgence.
"They're really good ingredients, whimsical ideas and whimsical decorations, nice flavor combinations. So it's more sophisticated," said Newman.
Some bakers agree, the resurgence of the cupcake is partly because of the times. People in a down economy are looking for an inexpensive treat that looks friendly and is packed with nostalgia.
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Cappellino's Crazy Cakes. 103 3rd St NE, Charlottesville 293-2964.
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Albemarle Baking Company 418 W. Main St. Charlottesville 434.293.6456
Reported by Jennifer Von Reuter
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