I've been trying to avoid asking this of anyone, but curiosity is now really starting to bite!

Can anyone tell me the difference between a Fairy cake and a Cup cake? or if there is even a difference.

Sad question, I know, but from a child I've always known them as Fairy cakes... now I see Cupcakes advertised all over the place and have been wondering why the name change.

Oh, and has anyone a really nice recipe for them?

Thanks

I think that cupcake is just the American term for a fairy cake!

Cupcakes are slightly different although the terms are generally used interchangeably. They are originally American but you get them all over now.

Fairy cakes are more like the big victoria sponges that you then put into smaller cases. Cupcakes are normally a slightly moister cake because you add milk / extra egg white / oil. It makes a moister cake which I think tastes better in smaller form than mini big sponges.

cupcakes are larger and rise more, they are also iced a little better.

my understanding was that a fairy cake was a plain sponge cake, with all the 'excitement' in the icing. A cupcake might be a variety of flavours.

Can't say I have noticed any significant variation in recipe/moistness or anythingthough in terms of the basic mix.

Fairy cakes are more like the big victoria sponges that you then put into smaller cases. Cupcakes are normally a slightly moister cake because you add milk / extra egg white / oil. It makes a moister cake.

this is spot on :)

Thank you everyone.:)

Now I know what they are, I can happily carry on using my Victoria sponge mix for my Fairy Cakes.

Don't want to upset the Fairys;)