History of Cupcakes – From 1976 to the Future of This Sweet Dessert

It might seem to us like cupcakes have been around forever, but as with any food recipe it has its own unique creation story. As cupcakes is our namesake at Ava’s Cupcakes, we thought it fitting to share this sweet piece of history. Therefore, our latest blog dives into the history of cupcakes!

History of Cupcakes – When Did This Sweet Treat Begin?

What is now known as a cupcake all began with the first ever cupcake recipe called “A Light Cake to Bake in Small Cups” by Amelia Simmons. It appeared in the first American cookbook written by Simmons called American Cookery.

This original cupcake recipe includes much of the common ingredients today, such as:

Sugar
Butter
Flour

However, it also includes an assortment of less common ingredients we would find in today’s cupcakes. Those include:

Wine
Rose Water
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Currants
Emptins (basically hops)

After this original cupcake recipe, it took a couple decades for the term cupcake to actually appear. The first documented use of the term cupcake was used in 1828. It appeared in Eliza Leslie’s Receipts cookbook, Seventy-five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats.

Important Dates in the History of Cupcakes

Below are some quick dates to know in the history of cupcakes.

1871: Second ever cupcake recipe published with more ‘familiar’ cupcake ingredients.
1919: Hostess introduces ‘The Cupcake’, it’s first snack cake.
1920’s: Cupcakes are iced for the first time (in only vanilla or chocolate icing).
1940’s: Malted icing is available for cupcakes.
1947: D.R. “Doc” Rice is assigned with redesigning cupcakes and creates a look similar to today’s cupcakes.

From Then to Now: Cupcakes Today

Today cupcakes are so popular there is even a show dedicated to bakers fighting to see who makes the best. What show are we talking about? Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, of course! The delectable contest show currently boasts 1.6 million viewers. Cupcake Wars is important in the history of Ava’s Cupcakes as well since our owner, Michelle Spell, won on that very show! You can thank that show for birthing our cupcake flavors of Banana Guava, Apple Pie, and Chocolate Truffle.

Ava’s Signature Flavors History

If you’ve visited our stores or website, then you probably have noticed we have 12 signature flavors. Since this is a history of cupcakes blog, we wanted to share a little history on our signature flavors and how they came to be.

The Signature flavors became the Signature 12 after our doors were open for 12 months. While there was no connection between the 12 months and the 12 flavors, it just happened to be the 12 most sought-after flavors. Additionally, people would always ask, which flavors do you recommend? It became obvious very quickly that most people love variety. Plus, they seemed to love the idea of a sampler pack filled with our best sellers. Since 2012, those 12 flavors have made up our Signature Sampler!

History Lesson Is Done & It’s Time to Pick Up Ava’s Cupcakes Today!

Now that your mouth is watering from reading all about cupcakes, are you ready to actual enjoy some of the best? Then, stop in at our Clemmons or Winston-Salem locations and pick up your favorites today!

You can find or contact our stores at:

Clemmons:

Address: 1483 River Ridge Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone: (336) 283-9021

Winston-Salem:

Address: 1539 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone: (336) 999-7178

For those not living or visiting the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina, we ship our one-of-a-kind cakecups anywhere in the continental U.S. Visit our e-store to view and order those as well as some other shippable sweet treats.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our latest menu updates, contests, and specials.

It’s like people LOVE us or something ;)

Zackary P.

Ava's Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, "Cupcake Wars". Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I've tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s'mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness... more

Ava’s Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, “Cupcake Wars”. Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I’ve tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s’mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness level of these cupcakes are within an acceptable range and will not make you frantically grab the closest glass of water to wash down the sugar. Although the sweetness can be slightly underwhelming at times and the fluffiness of the cupcake itself can be a bit too much, their cupcakes are still worth trying out!

WORTH IT? YES, they are the BEST cupcake shop in Winston-Salem and the greater Triad area (Overall 8/10)

Brooklyn White

Went into Ava’s and was greeted very pleasantly! The women working was very nice, I went in to try and get a cake because I had waited till last minute to get one for a birthday party, I got a strawberry’s and cream cake and mini cupcakes. They were a huge hit and so delicious!!!

Anthony C.

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava's cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted. I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good... more

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava’s cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted.

I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good because it was not overly sweet. For me, it’s a 10/10.

I saved the red velvet for the next day. My expectations were high since I tried the cinnamon pumpkin prior. I was a little disappointed, it was good but it was not spongy or moist as the cinnamon pumpkin. This could be because it needs to remain cold because of the crème cheese frosting. For me, it’s a 8/10.

Overall this place is good I’ll definitely be back to try more of their seasonal cupcakes.

Jenny N.

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10! Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network's cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I've shown multiple friends Ava's cupcakes and they are blown... more

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10!

Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network’s cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I’ve shown multiple friends Ava’s cupcakes and they are blown away every time even if they don’t have a sweet tooth.

I’ve tried basically all of their flavors, my favorites include apple pie, caramel apple, oreo, and creme brûlée. Most of the cupcakes have filling, a great frosting to cake ratio, and a very fluffy cupcake base. I find the frosting very sweet and often do not eat all of it but is a great occasional drink. Always great service as well and clean store interior.

Erik S.

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava's. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too. My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection... more

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava’s. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too.

My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection is their key lime flavor. Banana guava is still my absolute favorite, but the flavor pop of the lime in this cupcake was so zesty and balanced with the sweetness of the cupcake, perfect for a warm day!

Go to Ava’s, you won’t regret it!

Alyson Dietze

We ordered a vegan cake for my daughter’s first birthday since she has a cow milk protein allergy. It was not only beautiful but everyone at the party loved it, especially my daughter who smashed up and ate her own big piece! You would have never guessed it was vegan and the strawberry filling was wonderful. Thanks for making our celebration special!!

Chip R.

The Deets:On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava's Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste...a classic red velvet taste but... more

The Deets:
On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava’s Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste…a classic red velvet taste but not overpowering, nice and balanced. I like that the cupcake itself was sweet without being overly sweetened, again a good balance. It was a moist cupcake (was it the moistest cupcake ever for me, no, but certainly good and not dry and crumbly for sure). The cream cheese icing was tasty, a very good portion of it but just avoids being too massively overloaded. Overall, the red velvet cupcakes were delicious from Ava’s and I would definitely visit this shoppe if I had an opportunity when in that area.

Jeanine K.

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana... more

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.
The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana guava.
My two favorites were the strawberry and the cookie dough (which are the ones I got a picture of the inside of).

We will DEFINITELY be stopping by to get more ASAP!

Helen Robinson

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!
Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

History of Cupcakes – From 1976 to the Future of This Sweet Dessert

History of Cupcakes – When Did This Sweet Treat Begin?

From Then to Now: Cupcakes Today

Ava’s Signature Flavors History

History Lesson Is Done & It’s Time to Pick Up Ava’s Cupcakes Today!

It’s like people LOVE us or something ;)

Zackary P.

Brooklyn White

Anthony C.

Jenny N.

Erik S.

Alyson Dietze

Chip R.

Jeanine K.

Helen Robinson

Weddings

Obsessing over the most important cake of your life is what we do best.

Corporate Events

It’s your job to arrange sweets for the meeting?
We’ll make you look good!

History of Cupcakes – From 1976 to the Future of This Sweet Dessert

History of Cupcakes – When Did This Sweet Treat Begin?

From Then to Now: Cupcakes Today

Ava’s Signature Flavors History

History Lesson Is Done & It’s Time to Pick Up Ava’s Cupcakes Today!

It’s like people LOVE us or something ;)

Zackary P.

Brooklyn White

Anthony C.

Jenny N.

Erik S.

Alyson Dietze

Chip R.

Jeanine K.

Helen Robinson

Weddings

Obsessing over the most important cake of your life is what we do best.

Corporate Events

It’s your job to arrange sweets for the meeting? We’ll make you look good!

It’s your job to arrange sweets for the meeting?
We’ll make you look good!