A cupcake is a delightful, miniature cake baked in a paper or foil cup, designed to be a single-serving confection. It represents a perfect balance of whimsical charm and culinary craftsmanship, offering a compact and often highly decorated treat. While they may seem like a modern invention, cupcakes have a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, initially referred to as "cup cakes" or "cupcakes" due to the way they were measured by volume in a standard teacup or baked in small pottery cups.