Difference Between Cupcake and Muffin
Everyone loves desserts. There are different varieties of desserts for sweet as well as savory lovers. Desserts are mostly eaten at the end of a meal. But, they are also consumed as snacks. Cupcakes and Muffins are famous desserts. Cupcakes are preferred by many people for their cuteness and taste. Muffins are considered a healthy alternative for Cupcakes. There is a common misconception that Cupcakes and Muffins are the same. Though they look similar they are different.
Cupcake vs Muffin
The main difference between cupcakes and muffins is that Cupcakes are rich in sugar while Muffins are comparably low in sugar content. Cupcakes are very soft and spongy on the other hand, Muffins are a bit harder than Cupcakes. They also differ in the process of batter preparation.
Cupcakes are small cakes baked in a small cup made either with paper or aluminum foil. They are made small to serve one person. They are topped with frostings or with dried fruit and nuts. They are usually served at children’s parties. They come in different flavors and are loved by both adults and children.
Muffins are small-sized bread desserts with a mushroom-like raised top. There are sweet and savory muffins. Sweet muffins are made by adding fruits while savory muffins are made with corn and cheese. Muffins are considered healthy counterparts of cupcakes. Muffins are now consumed as breakfast food in some parts of the world.
Comparison Table Between Cupcake and Muffin
| Parameters of Comparison | Cupcake | Muffin |
| Texture | Soft and Spongy | A bit harder than Cupcakes |
| Sugar Content | High | Low |
| Icing | Cupcakes comes with different colored and themed icings with sprinkles topped on them. | Muffins usually don’t have icings but sometimes come with sugar sprinkles. |
| Health Benefits | Since cupcakes are rich in butter and sugar. It is not suitable for people with diabetes and cholesterol. | Muffins are healthy since they are low in sugar and only vegetable oil is used. |
| Size | They are small | Larger than Cupcakes |
| Storage | It is eaten cold and stored in cool condition. | They do not require refrigeration. |
What is a Cupcake?
Cupcakes are small cakes baked in separate cups and come with adorable frostings. The cupcake was discovered by Americans in the early 19th century. They are made with simple baking ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Raisins, fresh fruits, and nuts are added to the batter to enhance the taste.
The Cupcakes are easy to make than larger cakes. The time taken to bake cupcakes is less than cakes. Nowadays, Cupcakes are also made in small mugs. This is an easy way, in which the ingredients are mixed in a mug and then baked in the microwave. Cupcakes are more attractive as the frosting layer can be decorated in different ways for each cupcake. Themed cupcakes are commonly used in Halloween parties, Christmas, and Birthday parties.
Cupcakes are made using a high amount of butter and sugar. Essence and Chocolate are added to give flavor to each cupcake. All the ingredients required are mixed very well into a smooth, fluffy batter. The batter is poured into individual paper or foil cups. Tins with 6-12 cups are also used. Then it is baked in preheated oven. The cups are not filled. Since more butter is used Cupcakes are soft and easy to bite.
The icing on the top can be made with desired ingredients and in favorable color. Icings are used to decorate cupcakes and either colored sugar sprinkles or chocolate chips are sprinkled on the top of the icing.
What is a Muffin?
Muffins are small cake-like desserts. There are two types of muffins. The English muffin is a small flatbread. It can be sliced. It is made with sweet as well as savory toppings. The American muffins are taller compared to the British ones. They are spongy and look more like a Cupcake but aren’t one. They are mostly sweet and sometimes savory.
Muffins are considered healthy breakfasts. They are not only made with all-purpose flour but also can be made using cornflour, oatmeal, and other healthy ingredients. Muffin preparation does not include butter. Butter is replaced with healthy vegetable oils in Muffin preparation. Muffins have low sugar content. Dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, and sometimes vegetables are added to muffins.
During the batter preparation for muffins, the wet and dry ingredients are mixed in separate bowls and then a mixture of wet ingredients is poured on the dry ingredients and mixed. This is done to prevent the formation of gluten. The batter is comparably harder than the cupcake batter.
Muffins are a bit harder and chewing them feels like munching on the bread. Muffins have various health benefits depending on the ingredients added to them. American muffins come with no frosting or icing.
Main Differences Between Cupcake and Muffin
Conclusion
Cupcakes and Muffins may look a bit alike. But, they are vastly different in the method they are prepared, the ingredients used and the way ate. Cupcakes are preferred for their adorable look and taste, while muffins are used as breakfast concerning their health benefits.
Cupcakes are mostly used at parties and other special occasions. Muffins are used as snacks with Tea.The icing on Cupcakes makes them more preferable. They also differ in taste and texture. Even though they have their differences they are made in cups. They make the most famous snacks and are both the best choices to quench your sweet tooth thirst.
References
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