Cupcake Question of the Day (Time’s up!)

February 12, 2009 at 9:06 PM | Posted in Cupcake Question of the Day, giveaway | 100 Comments

What cupcake flavor (or combination of flavors) says “Thank You”?

My husband asked me to make cupcakes to give as “thank you” gifts but when I asked him what flavor he wanted, he just shrugged and said “I don’t know. Whatever flavor says thank you”.

Um. Ok husband. That was no help.

*rolling my eyes, having a hard time keeping them contained in my head*

That’s why I am posing the question to my readers.

Hey… Where you going?

Fine. I’ll even make it worth your while. (Sheesh! You all are so high maintenance.)

The most common question I get emailed is: where can I find those white cupcake liners that you use? So let’s turn this Cupcake Question into a giveaway. Every comment enters you in a random drawing to win 250 cupcake liners. I got your attention now huh?

What you waiting for? Help a clueless self-proclaimed cupcake-ista out!

Deadline: However long it takes for husband to pick flavor or Monday, February 16th @ 11:59pm EST. Whatever comes first. So get in while the gettings good!

100 Comments

1
Vanilla. Because EVERYBODY likes it, if you don’t like a vanilla cupcake you’re certifiably insane.

Chocolate is iffy, some people hate it. Strawberry/fruit is also iffy, some people can’t tolerate citrus, some are allergic, etc. Vanilla is perfect because everyone can eat it and its pretty too.

Thats just my two cents!

Comment by Marilla— February 12, 2009 #
2
Who loves cupcakes? I love cupcakes! And I love your cups!
RED VELVET CUPCAKES, hands down!

Comment by Donna Diegel— February 12, 2009 #
3
Vanilla or vanilla bean is my vote.

Comment by Michelle— February 12, 2009 #
4
Something simple is the perfect flavor for ‘thank you’ cupcakes.

Yellow cake and alternating frosting – chocolate and vanilla.

That is ‘thank you.’

Comment by LKO— February 12, 2009 #
5
I think chocolate says thank you. The person you make them for will probably say thank you back, and then you’ll get involved in a thank you war.

Comment by Rachel— February 12, 2009 #
6
Well, if someone was thanking *me*, it would be chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate. :) But actually, I think a white cake, almost angel food-like, says ‘thank you’. I have no idea why, but that just popped into my head and stayed there.

Comment by AF— February 12, 2009 #
7
I think for something like this you want to go with a neutral but delicious flavor…some cupcake flavors that I absolutely love (such as lemon or coconut) are not everyone’s favorite, and for a thank you gift, you want to make sure the recipient loves the cupcakes. I’d suggest either vanilla or chocolate, maybe with strawberries or raspberries to make it really special! :)

Comment by sara— February 12, 2009 #
8
I had a friend who made “rainbow” cupcakes, they were vanilla flavored, but somehow she managed to make them layered with color… topped with cream cheese frosting.. amazing!

Comment by Danica— February 12, 2009 #
9
Well, the flavor I would like to say thank you is chocolate with vanilla frosting.

Now if I were to make them for DH, I would try to make something as close to coconut cream pie as possible (his fav dessert). Maybe yellow cake with a coconut frosting and crushed graham crackers sprinkled on top.

Comment by Kristina R— February 12, 2009 #
10
Nothing says “thank you” like a crunkcakes. :)

Comment by Linda— February 12, 2009 #
11
The red velvet with cream cheese frosting is the perfect thank you cupcake. In Chinese culture, red means good luck and happiness, that is what I want when for the people I appreciate!

Comment by doreent88— February 12, 2009 #
12
I would just go with something safe, like a butter cake or a vanilla cake with a simple frosting. If you’re not familiar with the people enough to know what flavors they like, I wouldn’t get too experimental.

Comment by Tanya— February 12, 2009 #
13
i agree with everyone else, nothing too complicated vanilla with strawberry frosting! nom!

Comment by Lona— February 12, 2009 #
14
strawberry! like…chocolate covered strawberry!

anyone who doesn’t like strawberry doesn’t deserve thanking! ;)

Comment by ashley— February 12, 2009 #
15
I dunno about the rest of the world, but in Australia, you say thank you with a box of Roses chocolates. It would be awesome to have chocolate cupcakes with a centre of a roses chocolate in each one, each cupcake would be a surprise flavour!

Comment by apparentlyjessy— February 12, 2009 #
16
Chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate is still a special flavor for many, especially if they don’t eat it a lot.

Comment by SA— February 12, 2009 #
17
I agree with most of the ideas above. You really can’t go too far wrong with vanilla but you need to do something to it to make it a little more that just an average cupcake. How about a surprise toffee centre and a butter toffee frosting? Something really sweet and moreish.

Comment by Magatha-May— February 13, 2009 #
18
I totally have to say yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Or vanilla cake. Or something cute… goodness, I have no idea! ANY cupcakes say thank you!

Comment by Laynie Link— February 13, 2009 #
19
At first I was going to say lemon, just because that seems so sweet and nice… kind of like something that would warrant a thank you! But reading the other comments makes me think vanilla, too, because you don’t know their tastes.

Comment by hareandtortoise— February 13, 2009 #
20
http://www.cakescookiesandcraftsshop.co.uk/acatalog/Nut-Cups-Cake-Cases.html

they are on special offer 4 for 3

I would make caramel cakes xxx

Comment by Lauren Bevan— February 13, 2009 #
21
http://www.geographics.com/p1113/Red-Nut-Cups,-8/pack/product_info.html

this site sells them in lots of different colours

xxxxx

Comment by Lauren Bevan— February 13, 2009 #
22
Well, if this going to end up being one of those “Oh mom, I forgot. I have to bring 24 cupcake to school today” I would say vanilla with chocolate frosting. Something really good, but fairly quick.

Comment by sharon— February 13, 2009 #
23
An ice-cream sundae (flavored) cupcake with sprinkles and a cherry on top!

Comment by Amanda— February 13, 2009 #
24
If it is a co-worker or boss, doughnut cupcakes would go great with their coffee.

Comment by Amanda— February 13, 2009 #
25
Red Velvet with cream cheese icing, definitely.

Comment by MIndy— February 13, 2009 #
26
I almost went with vanilla, but then – funfetti. Seriously. Potentially with more sprinkles on top. What better way to say thanks than by giving them something that will make them smile? Oh, and I got your package but I’m a slacker – THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Oh my goodness, all of those things are going to make an appearance in my kitchen very very very soon. Especially the sprinkles. See a theme here?

Comment by Caitlin— February 13, 2009 #
27
what about an orange flavored cake with cream cheese frosting? it’ll be like a creamsicle

Comment by Rachel— February 13, 2009 #
28
I’d totally go with red velvet, but that is probably because I am in a red velvet mood.

Depending on who it is and how much of a “thank you” it needs to be, those Milk and Cookie ones were outstanding!

Comment by Amy— February 13, 2009 #
29
I think you should bake dozen of varity cupcakes would be great. Like when you get doughnuts and you get one of each of your favs. I would include: red velvet/creamcheese, chocolate with vanilla frosting,vanilla with chocolate frosting, the doughnut cupcake with the coffee icing, White Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes,Milk and Cookie Cupcakes, german chocolate cupcakes. You could make two of each cupcake!!

I would love to get these as a thank you!!

Comment by Melissa— February 13, 2009 #
30
I think what would say Thank You the best is not just one flavor, but an assortment of different flavors. It will make that person feel very special that you took the time to make such a variety of cupcakes for them.
How about making one of each from your 12 favorite of 2008 list? I know it’s a lot of work, but that’s what I would do !!

Comment by Celine— February 13, 2009 #
31
My first thought: Red Velvet. It’s always a winner and something about it just screams “THANK YOU!”. I’d love to be thanked with a batch of red velvet cupcakes! :)

Comment by Vanessa— February 13, 2009 #
32
If it’s a very happy thank you, I say confetti!

Comment by Natalie— February 13, 2009 #
33
Banana cupcakes with chocolate frosting!
ORRRRRR
spice cupcakes with creamcheese frosting
both yummy and both very warm and comforting, almost like a friendly THANK YOU hug :)

Comment by jenn— February 13, 2009 #
34
For some reason, I feel like yellow cake with chocolate frosting is a good thank you cupcake. No real reason, it’s just the first thing that came to mind…

Comment by Jen— February 13, 2009 #
35
Nothing says “thank you” like a variety of cupcakes: vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, mocha.

Comment by - dlm.— February 13, 2009 #
36
For me the best thank you would be chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. :)

Comment by Denise— February 13, 2009 #
37
Chocolate obviously … It says thank you, I’m sorry, I love you, Your sexy and a number of other good things all in one flavor

Comment by NIkki— February 13, 2009 #
38
I think Red Velvet says thank you. With sprinkles!

Comment by leah.— February 13, 2009 #
39
I usually make a yellow cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Plain and Simple. That’s how I roll. :)

Of course if you don’t pick my name, perhaps we can make a trade. Say a pincusion for some of those fancy liners that I can’t find around here….

Comment by Mary— February 13, 2009 #
40
Chocolate Chip cupcakes (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love chocolate chips) with chocolate icing. SO GOOD!

Comment by Stephanie— February 13, 2009 #
41
My gut reaction was chocolate – basic chocolate cupcakes, but then when I got to thinking, I think White cupcakes say thank you. But the key is you have to use colored frosting on them. Brightly colored – perhaps in floral colors and I think they need to look really nice! That says thank you.

Comment by Jingle— February 13, 2009 #
42
I say strawberry cupcake with vanilla frosting. It’s not too simple or too decadent, so it’s just right. Plus it’s pretty.

Comment by cupcake— February 13, 2009 #
43
I think vanilla or white cake would do it, with colored icing. Because it’s universally pleasing. And, you can sprinkle whatever you (or the thankee) wants on top.

Comment by Cat— February 13, 2009 #
44
Oh my gosh! How have I not seen your blog before?!?! It’s fantastic!

Red Velvet always says “thank you” to me, but I don’t think that you could go wrong with yellow cake and a fudgy chocolate frosting.

Comment by Kathleen— February 13, 2009 #
45
all about the chocolate thank you cupcake :)

Comment by stephchows— February 13, 2009 #
46
Traditional yellow or vanilla. Everyone likes it. Some people (like me) won’t eat a chocolate cupcake (I know, I’m strange). But even though some may prefer chocolate, everyone will eat vanilla. Whip it it up with some yummy buttercream and you’re all set!

Comment by Nancy— February 13, 2009 #
47
Vanilla all the way. It’s elegant, and if you want to make it less boring, you could have funfetti frosting or one with sprinkles.

Comment by Margaret— February 13, 2009 #
48
Nothing says thank you like vanilla…but with a twist. Add something fun to the batter like sprinkes. Or jazz up the icing with sprinkles. You could also do vanilla batter with different flavored icing so people could choose how they wanted to be thanked.

Comment by Lena— February 13, 2009 #
49
Anything sweet, vanilla is easiest because everyone likes it for the most part but just add a cute little note that says something like “Sweets for being so sweet and (enter what thank you is for here, Thank you”

Comment by BBKiddo— February 13, 2009 #
50
Pink carnations mean gratitude, so when I think of “Thank You” cupcakes the first that come to mind are How to Eat a Cupcake’s Neapolitan cupcakes (http://howtoeatacupcake.net/2008/01/neapolitan-cupcakes.html)…the strawberry SMBC looks like a pink carnation on top of the cupcake, which is half chocolate and half vanilla (so everyone’s satisfied!)

Comment by 'Raine— February 13, 2009 #
51
I’d say red velvet. They are not chocolate and not vanilla…kinda somewhere in between. The are festive and as high end as cupcakes can get.

If not red velvet, lemon. Again not chocolate or vanilla and refreshing and warm. (cause they make you think of lemonade and that makes you think of summer)

Comment by Ms. Izzo— February 13, 2009 #
52
My friends always vote for my Chocolate Cinnamon cupcakes with Chocolate Cinnamon ganache on top. :)

Comment by Nikita— February 13, 2009 #
53
who doesn’t like chocolate… thank-you! thank-you!

Comment by jan— February 13, 2009 #
54
Lemon, definitely lemon.

Comment by Kris— February 13, 2009 #
55
Hmm.. That is a tough question. If you know the person well enough to know what flavor they like, then I would go with that. Otherwise, red velvet since it has a sort of neutral flavor but looks extra special all dressed in red. Or maybe yellow cake with chocolate frosting… And sprinkles :)

Comment by Brownies for Dinner— February 13, 2009 #
56
I love White/Yellow, Strawberry, Cherry Chip & Spice flavors. But most people don’t like all those. I say that a safe an cute way to go would be to swirl the chocolate and yellow/white batter together. You get the best of both worlds.

And for people who aren’t fans of chocolate, they can usually deal with a little of it when they are still getting the white/yellow. Or vise versa.

:) Good Luck picking the “right” Thank You flavor.

Comment by Rachel P— February 13, 2009 #
57
Red Velvet Cupcakes – those say thank you to me!

Comment by tiff— February 13, 2009 #
58
Banana with cream cheese frosting. It’s just such a friendly, happy kind of cupcake! And you can get away with eating it for breakfast since it involves fruit, right? :-)

Comment by Laure— February 13, 2009 #
59
cupcakes that say “thank you” to me would be simple ones with a twist…like chocolate cupcakes with white chocolate ganache (or PEANUT BUTTER frosting), or vanilla cupcakes with strawberry jam filling. i’m sure whatever you make will be fantastic!

Comment by veggievixen— February 13, 2009 #
60
Something Elvis-inspired (Thank you. Thank you very much.). There’s a wonderful cupcake bakery in Austin, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop (http://sugarmamasbakeshop.com/), and they have an Elvis cupcake that I’ve heard is to-die-for: banana cupcake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. This says thank you for sure!

Comment by MSWR— February 13, 2009 #
61
P.S. I don’t work for Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, I just love their tasty treats!

Comment by MSWR— February 13, 2009 #
62
I would have to say something pretty… vanilla with chocolate frosting or red velvet with a tasty cream chees frosting, but something maybe with frosting in the center would me mighty thank you worthy…

Comment by CarlyB— February 13, 2009 #
63
I’m going with red velvet because they seem so elegant and unique, like you really are going out of your way to thank the person. You’re not making just an ordinary vanilla or chocolate cupcake but you’re also not making a cupcake with so many things going on that it’s distracting either.

Comment by Kristen— February 13, 2009 #
64
I was going to say chocolate – who doesn’t love chocolate cupcakes? But as I thought about it, I think a sweet thank you would include a lighter, fresher flavor like strawberry or lemon. Or maybe a combination – strawberry cupcakes with lemon frosting.

Comment by Stephanie— February 13, 2009 #
65
Lemon is the flavor of gratitude to me.

Comment by Cheryl in AL— February 13, 2009 #
66
I totally think you should go with chocolate. Everyone loves chocolate! Good luck. I love your blog.

Comment by Jade— February 13, 2009 #
67
For a thank you, you have to do something a little interesting. Vanilla and chocolate…those are birthday flavors. For thank you, you’ve got to do something a bit rich, like spice cake with a cream cheese frosting. If the individual doesn’t like that, a light fruity flavor also stands out, like lemon!
Now I’m hungry…

Comment by Rebecca— February 13, 2009 #
68
:-) Peanut Butter and Chocolate!! How can you go wrong with that?

Comment by Tracy— February 13, 2009 #
69
id have to say chocolate gives a heart felt thank you the best.

Comment by megan— February 13, 2009 #
70
Chocolate of course! My husband likes chocolate w/chocolate frosting but I would either do vanilla or chocolate.

Comment by Dani— February 13, 2009 #
71
I would have to agree with everyone who says white, vanilla or yellow. To make it extra special and give them a bit of a Thank You surprise, you can add some kind of filling. If you were thanking me, I think I would like the “copcake” filled with the coffee frosting.
(CB – I added my middle initial to prevent any confusion :))

Comment by CSB— February 13, 2009 #
72
don’t make red velvet, it’s so gross with all that food coloring!

maybe vanilla bean, more special when you can see the pretty little flecks

Comment by Rachel— February 13, 2009 #
73
strawberry cupcakes with vanilla buttercream made into a “flower bouquet” in a flower pot – like little pink thank you flowers, but edible!

Comment by afreshstartin2009— February 13, 2009 #
74
Anything with a cream filled filling would be my vote.

Comment by Kristine— February 13, 2009 #
75
Gonna have to say chocolate/chocolate is the best thank you.

Comment by Katrina— February 13, 2009 #
76
I’d go old school and do yellow butter cake with chocolate icing….can’t beat that!

Comment by dana— February 13, 2009 #
77
I would agree with most people above…chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. Of course, if you know what the recipients like best, that’s easiest, but I would stick with one of the classics…you can’t really go wrong. I mean, it’s cupcakes, right?

Comment by Hayley— February 13, 2009 #
78
OK, I actually thought about this while I made my Valentine treats. And I am really tired of choclate at the moment. I remember when I was 15. We just moved and the new neighbor lady came by to welcome us to the neighborhood with a homemade banana pie. It was SO good I still remember it 25+ years later. I also think Orange flavor is alwyas bright and cheery flavor. Peace….

Comment by Mignon— February 13, 2009 #
79
I’d definitely have to say red velvet. They’re more special than just plain old vanilla or chocolate.

Comment by Ashley— February 13, 2009 #
80
Well, Chocolate is more of an “i love you” and so it strawberry, I think confetti cupcakes are more of a ” THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!” So I’ll stick with the confetti cupcakes for my answer.

Comment by cakepire— February 13, 2009 #
81
I think a lemon cupcake with cream cheese frosting says “thank you” quite well. You avoid the problem of those (crazy) people who don’t like chocolate. lemon is a refreshing and well-liked flavor, and well, cream cheese frosting is just addictive.

Comment by Elyse— February 13, 2009 #
82
I’m going to say pumpkin cream cheese… pumpkins remind me of thanksgiving, and being thankful.

Comment by Alissa— February 13, 2009 #
83
Ooooh oooh… I thinking of a simple cake (like vanilla) with diced strawberry chunks and a light frosting (perhaps whipped cream). YUM! That couldn’t say ‘thank you’ any better!

Comment by Michelle Kim— February 14, 2009 #
84
Also, you MUST top the vanilla/strawberry cupcakes with fresh strawberries– whole, glazed, halved, or diced!

Comment by Michelle Kim— February 14, 2009 #
85
I vote for vanilla as well! :D

Comment by Linda Wu— February 14, 2009 #
86
Hey, if you really want to say thank you, I say go all out and give them an assortment – you know, like a Whitman’s Sampler – start out with your basic vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, then devil’s food with buttercream, how about lemon with a merinque on top, then strawberry with a pink frosting, how about carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?, next comes chocolate with peanut butter, mmmmmm…, don’t forget about coconut, red velvet, vanilla with buttercream and sprinkles, chocolate chip with chocolate frosting, oh yes, banana walnut with a maple frosting, and finally we need a deep dark chocolate with a chocolate ganache and a gold foil wrapped heart as a topper! Now that says Thank You!

S.W.A.K.
http://www.CuteStuffInside.blogspot.com

Comment by Marsha— February 14, 2009 #
87
light lemon cupcake with vanilla cream cheese frosting. and if you want more BAM, add SPRINKLES!!!

Comment by emily— February 14, 2009 #
88
Yellow (butter) cupcakes with chocolate frosting, for sure.

Comment by Maggie— February 14, 2009 #
89
I would have to say something extra special and for me that would be anything citrus-y. Especially key lime. yum-o With cream cheese frosting.

Comment by BeckyB— February 14, 2009 #
90
I think it depends on for what they are being thanked. I could see a good vanilla cupcake decorated with chocolate gold coins and a note saying “Thank you for being a treasure” Or lemon with a cream cheese frosting and the note saying “Thank you for helping me turn life’s lemons into something wonderful.”

Comment by Laura Bennett— February 15, 2009 #
91
I think that most people enjoy schocolate chips and I like to keep things simple, so simple chocolate chip cupcakes are the answer for me!

Comment by Lorena— February 15, 2009 #
92
Chocolate…what else???

Comment by RockerJewlz— February 15, 2009 #
93
a citrus cupcake like an orange or lemon seems like a good thank you cupcake. it’s light and airy and thought it may be cliche’d a bit, it does add a nice between of citrusy sunshine to the day.

Comment by Tiffany— February 15, 2009 #
94
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Something for everyone.

Comment by Stacy— February 15, 2009 #
95
Vanilla cupcakes with a vanilla bean buttercream. Could it get any better? And with chocolate (including red velvet), strawberry, peanut butter or any citrus you run into allergy issues. So…vanilla…and mmmm…Magnolia Bakery’s recipe is my personal favorite!

Comment by Gina— February 15, 2009 #
96
chcolate cupcakes..everybody loves chocolate!!!

Comment by mic— February 15, 2009 #
97
chocolate cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting :)!! yummay

Comment by Anita— February 15, 2009 #
98
white with buttercream or strawberry icing…just simple and a bit fancy…

Comment by cara— February 16, 2009 #
99
That could be tough. If it is a mighty huge thank you I would have to go with something rich, like chocolate cupcakes with some peanut butter frosting.

If it’s just a sweet thank you, do something fun like vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting and sprinkles. Classic cupcake goodness right there.

Comment by Ashley B.— February 16, 2009 #
(Sorry time’s up! Better luck at the next giveaway!)

Comment by CB— February 17, 2009 #