Making Cupcakes
The Equipment You Will Need

The great thing about making cupcakes is that the equipment you will need is very basic.

The techniques of how to make cupcakes is usually very simple and you will only need the bare kitchen essentials to be able to make yummy cupcakes in no time.

An Oven

An oven is essential for baking cupcakes but it does not matter if it is an electric or gas oven. But be aware that some ovens do have hotspots and some will cook quicker than others.

As you get to know your own oven, you will know whether to turn your cupcake pans halfway through baking to ensure that the cupcakes are evenly browned and risen, or whether you will need a little less or more cooking time.

Measuring Equipment

It is important that the correct proportions of ingredients are used as the wrong amounts can give disappointing results.

So make sure that you have accurate scales, cups and spoons.

Sieves

A large sieve is perfect for sifting the dry ingredients such as flour and icing sugar before mixing, but when it comes to dusting the finished cupcakes a smaller sieve works best.

Bowls and Spoons

You can get away with using the most basic equipment to beat together most cupcake recipes. Although you can use an electric mixer if you prefer.

Cupcake Pan Sizes

A cupcake cake pan (also known as muffin tins) are available in a variety of sizes, but there are three main sizes: mini (3-5cm, 2inch), medium (7cm, 2 3/4inch), large (8.5cm, 3 1/2inch).

The number of cups in each tin will vary; you can get some mini cupcake pans with 20 - 30 cups. The regular cupcake pans usually come with 12 cups although silicone cupcake pans come with less.

Metal cupcake pans will need to be greased if you are not going to line them with paper cupcake liners.

The silicon moulds are very handy in that they do not need to be greased and the cupcakes are easily removed as soon as the cupcakes are cooled.

Cupcake Papers

Paper cupcake liners are available in a variety of colors, designs and sizes. You can find one for just about every occasion - Weddings, Christmas, Fourth of July, Halloween, Valentines day etc.

There are papers with balloons, flowers, hearts, polka dots and a variety of plain colors as well as gold and silver.

If you are finding it difficult to find a colored or pattern cupcake paper a plain one will do, it's what is inside and on the top that counts.

Timers

Just like the measuring equipment, timing is important when it comes to making cupcakes. You can buy a kitchen timer or use a clock or your watch.

Wire Racks

Cup cake cakes should usually be transferred to a wire rack after baking and allowed to cool completely before decorating.