I love teaching new pupcake bakers. In fact, I host a pupcake beginner baker class at Pupcake Sugar every few months. Two-thirds of the class involves baking pupcakes and, of course, sampling your work. Because who doesn’t want to sample their finished pupcake product.
However, the first part of the class is focused on pupcake anatomy.
Most pups sign up for the class thinking that that they’re going to only bake pupcakes. So, many of them are a little confused when I start off with a. brief lecture about the anatomy of a pupcake. I have to be honest.
I think it’s funny to watch their heads tilt to the side a little bit. It’s almost like they understand me, but not quite sure they were in the right room. But, in the words of Justin Hires…
Do your homework, study the craft, believe in yourself, and out-work everyone.
And, pupcakes are no different. If you want to be the next celebrity pupcake baker or simply bake a few pupcakes for your friends, it’s still important to know the basics. I promise you. The pupcakes will taste better and the experience much more memorable.
So, like I share with my pups that sign up for my class. Yes, Pupcake Anatomy is a thing. Here are the five parts to it.
THE LINER
The baking cup liner is super important to your pupcake. It’s what you bake your pupcake in and gives your pupcake it’s shape. Some pups find it easier not to use them at all. And, that’s fine too. However, if you’re choosing to use a liner, the size, type, and even color play a huge role in how your pupcakes come out of the oven.
THE INGREDIENTS
Your ingredients are like the brain of the whole pupcake operation. There is no pupcake without ingredients. It does the thinking for your pupcakes. Your ingredients give your pupcakes their flavor. It’s not all about what ingredients you use. Your measurements, the brand, and even the weather can play a huge role in how your pupcakes turn out.
THE CAKE
Now, the cake is the fun part. It’s the legs of the operation. It’s the result of all the ingredients working together under a little heat to produce something deliciously amazing. The cake is where the magic happens.
THE TOPPING
The topping is the frosting. Or, the drizzle. Or, whatever you use to decorate the top of your pupcake. The topping is your creativity that shines through.
THE SOUL
The soul can’t be found in any pupcake recipe. The soul is in the feeling you put into baking each pupcake. It is the heart and love of the pupcake.
My mentor, Bean, taught me years ago, that it’s important to follow your art and passion. But, it’s equally if not more important to study your craft. Learn as much as you can about it and keep sharing your gift with the world. That’s why I make sure that the pupcake anatomy lesson is a part of every baking class.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s dish about these study tips.
How do you stay current with your craft? Or, what is your favorite way to study it?
Please share your story in the box below.
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