Cupcake Queries

Our answer

As cupcakes often contain quite a bit of sugar and sugar attracts moisture, it can mean that cupcakes and cakes form a slightly sticky surface. Before storing the cupcakes make sure that they are absolutely cold, as any heat left in the cupcakes could cause condensation once the cupcakes are in a container. Unfortunately if you are in a humid environment then the moisture from the air could also be causing the problem. In this case, you may find it better to store the cupcakes on a plate, in a cupboard, covered with a clean tea towel or piece of muslin. If you want to frost the cupcakes then the sticky tops should not make any difference.

Paper cases peeling away from cupcakes can be frustrating. The most common reason for this happening is that the cupcakes are left to cool in the cupcake pans and condensation forms on the liners, causing them to peel away from the cupcakes. Transfer the cupcakes as quickly as possible to a wire rack to cool, and make sure that the cakes are really cold before storing in a container. Also don't grease the cupcake cases or the cups of the cupcake pan and make sure that you fill each case at least half full with batter - so that the baked cake comes tight to the top of the liner and attaches itself to the paper liner properly.

If you are frosting the cupcakes you can try using a little frosting to stick the liner back to the cake, and frost the cupcake right up to the edges.