Why cupcakes? Well, let me defer to Sarah Moske, proprietress of Monkey Bread Bakery, a custom-order baking business with a focus on the baby-cakes based in Memphis, who cites several reasons why cupcakes take the cake:
- They are portion perfect. Each equals about 1/2 a slice of cake.
- They are portable and require no fork to eat.
- They are easily personalized and versatile for any occasion.
- Big enough to be an indulgence, but small enough to be guilt free.
- They are DELICIOUS!!
- Best of all you never have to share a cupcake!
Yup, that Sarah is one smart cookie. Ready to learn more about her and her baking business? Let's go:
CakeSpy: What was the last baked good you ate?
Sarah Moske: A mini chocolate raspberry tart...yummy, yum, yum!
CS: Tell me more about your business. How did you get started with Monkey Bread?
SM: Ever since I can remember I have loved to bake and help in the kitchen. After my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I realized that life is too short and deiced go after my goals in life. I got some business cards printed, had a friend build me a website, and started bringing treats to work for my co-workers to taste. I figured I would at least give it a shot and if it didn't work out, no big deal...but at least I would know that I tried. It worked and the rest is history.
CS: How did you come up with the name? What is Monkey Bread?
SM: My hubby and I both love anything that has to do with monkeys. As a young child, I used to love to go to the zoo and watch the monkeys. When I started teaching school, our class mascot was the monkey. My hubby said that if I ever had a bakery, I should call it "Monkey Bread". Monkey Bread is actually a yummy treat itself, although I do not actually sell it. In my world, monkey bread is a cupcake.
CS: Tell me a favorite cake (or baked good, or candy) memory of yours.
SM: I can remember making fudge in the kitchen with my grandmother and cookies with my mom. That always makes me smile.
CS: Do you think cupcakes will ever be "over"?
SM: I do think that cupcakes are a trend right now, but cupcakes will never be "over". They are yummy, portable, and take you back to your childhood.
CS: I'm always curious about regional specialties. What are some desserts that you would consider classic Memphis treats?
SM: Our most "Memphis" treat is the Fat Elvis cupcake. It is a banana cupcake with a chocolate hazelnut center, peanut butter buttercream and a banana chip on top :) It's a hunka-hunka yummy num-num!
CS: What are some of your goals for your business?
SM: Right now, Monkey Bread Bakery is special order only. Right now, I get the best of both worlds! I teach school for my full time job and make cupcakes on the side. Eventually I would love to open a store front.
Want more Monkey Business? To find out more (or to place an order, if you're lucky enough to be in the Memphis area) visit monkeybreadbakery.com.