Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery

Cupcakes never go out of style! This book shares some great recipes for traditional and unique cupcake flavours.

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Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery by Martha Swift and Lisa Thomas, (Kyle Books, 2009) comes to us from the famed bakery in Primrose Hill, London, England.  This is a cupcake book that you can turn to again and again for inspiration when making cupcakes.

The Primrose Bakery itself opened its doors in 2006 and was born out of an idea from Swift and Thomas who started out making cupcakes for children’s birthday parties.  It wasn’t long until they happily discovered that the adults were enjoying the cupcakes as much as the children.  (We could have told them that!)

During the time that the bakery was opening, the cupcake craze was sweeping the planet.  It didn’t take long for the bakery to count among its fans such celebrities as Elton John, Jude Law and Madonna.

With the publication of Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery, it meant that all of us could make and enjoy these delectable diminutive cakes in our very own homes.  I, for one, was ready for the challenge!

Although the cupcake frenzy may no longer be at its height, I believe that they really never go out of style.  I like that they are portable, easily handheld, and a breeze to make.  There are also so many flavour options that I think you could enjoy a different batch every week for a year and not grow weary (although you may grow in other places!).

What can I find inside this book?

The book covers a lot of options for both the cupcake sponge and the frostings.  The recipes are separate, which helps to encourage you to think about flavours and to mix and match.  Swift and Thomas do make recommendations about which frostings to pair with which sponge, but you certainly feel free to take creative license here.

The cakes are also separated into different categories:  The Basics, Festive and Seasonal, Special Occasions, and Weddings.  There is also a section for larger sized cakes.

The recipes themselves are uncomplicated with little in the way of narrative leading up to the main event.  The instructions are clear and most of the ingredients called for will be familiar.

The book also includes gorgeous photos of every bake.  The photos serve as guidance and inspiration for your own decorations.  They are also great just to look at and drool over!

Who will enjoy this book?

This cupcake book works well for beginners and experienced bakers alike.  The writing is straightforward and most of the recipes can be knocked out in 30 minutes or so.

I also think this is a book that will appeal to both adults and kids.  The kids can definitely help out with a bit of stirring or decorating.  I know I was always beyond excited when my mom invited me into the kitchen to help.

A quick note, it really is a cupcake book, so if you’re looking for a more diverse selection of recipes, then this may not be the one for you.

Which recipes should I try?

I’ve made a few recipes from this book including:

• Banana and chocolate cupcakes (with my own Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting)
• Vanilla cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Malted cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Cream Frosting
• Coconut Cupcakes with Pink Vanilla Buttercream (so pretty!)

Every recipe that I have tried has turned out consistently good.  This alone makes me recommend this book to you!

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