The Stylish Dessert: Cupcakes & Cake Plates

The Rosanna cake stand, $44.99 at Organize.com, topped with a Martha Stewart chrysanthemum cupcake

You might say that my appreciation for gourmet cupcakes started right about the same time that I acquired my first cake plate, also known as a cake stand. 

I can’t quite explain why I like cake plates so much; maybe it’s the idea of raising above the table the prized dessert or appetizer for everyone to see and admire. I now have 4 cake plates in different sizes and looks and I use them for much more than hoisting cupcakes and tarts: my white porcelain skirted stand is identical to the Rosanna model, above, and permanently resides on my kitchen table where bananas, avocadoes, and tomatoes regularly sit poised as they ripen. Bananas never looked so glamourous! When I host a party, I place lemons and limes on this cake stand next to the glassware and beverages so it’s easy for guests to help themselves to a citrus slice for their cocktail.

Think of the cake stand as more than just a dessert pedestal. Perfect as a cheese platter or to showcase fresh vegetables and dip, sliced fruit, garlic toast- whatever. Basically anything that counts as finger foods and helps clear some room on the table. I find it helps break up the spread and adds interest to the food and the setting.  

One of my favourite stands is also my newest acquisition: a simple bulbous glass-domed cake stand. Everything looks fantastic in it and it comes in handy on the summer table when I want to keep any air-borne creatures off a pie or a bowl of strawberries. It’s also a nice way to store left-over desserts, although I rarely have any.

Simplicity glass dome pedestal, $35.99 at Target

But after all is said and done, I admit that I feel great satisfaction in positioning a dozen cupcakes and dessert squares on my cake stands when I’ve happily baked or dropped by my local cupcake baker, Life is Sweet. The cupcake is a stylish dessert and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how equally my female and male friends are smitten with the two-bites-sized mini cupcakes in fun flavours like Earl Grey, White Chocolate, and Lemon Meringue. I also noticed that everyone really enjoys seeing desserts on a cake plate; makes us feel all dressed up and eating something special.

Le Gateau cake stands at Rosanna, $45 - $65

So I hardly doubt that you’re new to gourmet cupcakes. This winter I attended a local event called Cupcake Camp where I sampled a variety of cupcakes from Toronto’s finest professional and recreational bakers. It’s time I get into the game more seriously and maybe you’ve been thinking the same. Just in time for your next summer garden party is Martha Stewart’s new book, Martha Stewart Cupcakes promising “175 inspired ideas” for cupcakes.

Martha Stewart Cupcakes book, $19.79

While I adore flipping through cookbooks on lazy Saturday mornings, I must admit that I’m just as tempted to try Martha’s impressive list of cupcake recipes and decorating tips available for free on her website. The website also includes a video how-to featuring Martha baking alongside fellow cupcake baker and special guest Jennifer Garner. Here’s a selection of summer-friendly cupcakes ideal for your next party or a fun Friday night in with a movie.

Coconut cupcake at Martha Stewart.com

Lemon meringue cupcakes at Martha Stewart.com

Beach and shark cupcakes at Martha Stewart.com

Chocolate Graham cracker cupcake with toasted marshmellow at Martha Stewart.com

The Classic: devil's food chocolate cupcake at Martha Stewart.com

Images courtesy of Williams Sonoma, Organize.com, Rosanna, Target.com, Martha Stewart. You can also purchase Martha Stewart’s new cupcake book, Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes, here.