Sweet, soft, crumbly\u2026this is just like a cupcake. Except it\u0027s not. And for that, we love it all the more. It\u2019s airy, light, and sweet, but this delicate cake gets pucker and punch from vinegar in both the icing and the filling. It may look like a giant cupcake, but an ultra-smooth ganache and a final flourish of crunchy sea salt make this one elegant cake. Why eat a cupcake when you can eat an entire chocolate cake?\u00a0 Nutty, chewy cornmeal gives this cake great texture, and makes this way more fun to eat than a cupcake. Caramel makes this cake a winner. Also, butter. Oh, so fancy! These boozy figs add a certain je nais se\u00a0quoi\u00a0to the mix. Cupcakes can be tooth-achingly sweet. This galette is sophisticated and restrained.\u00a0 Lip-smackingly tart, with a crumbly, salted crust, this cake\u0027ll have you asking: \u0022Cupcakes? What cupcakes?\u0022 Must you have your treats individually-sized? Fine. Have a scone. The great thing about these thumbprint cookies? They can be any size, and the fillings are customizable. Just like cupcakes. ONLY BETTER. Molasses keeps these cookies magically fresh and chewy for days. Cupcakes, need we remind you, go stale and sad in a snap. This confection is both sweet and salty. And way more portable than cupcakes. This is absolutely nothing like a cupcake\u2014which is precisely why we like it. Why not make these kid-friendly treats\u00a0for the next big birthday party? Still not convinced? Okay: We give up. But if you\u0027re going to make a cupcake, make it a good one\u2014this one.