Contrary to what reports say, cupcakes are still a hot foodservice menu item around America. Even though cupcakes may no longer be the newest trend in foodservice, the cupcake craze continues to sweep across America. Need proof? Just turn on the TV, and you will find shows entitled “Cupcake Wars” and "DC Cupcakes."

What these operators know, and others often overlook, is that cupcakes are more than just chocolate and vanilla. Successful cupcake bakers are stretching out and incorporating the trendy flavors and textures that consumers desire right now. Not only are they using on-trend flavors, they are promoting "Flavor of the Day" and "Cupcake of the Week" specials.

Take these examples from one well-known foodservice cupcake bakery menu:

Strawberry Shortcake: Start this fun version of a classic dessert with Yellow Cupcakes (PC 03474). Next add  Strawberry filling (PC 03097). Top if off with Rich’s® Perfect Finish Vanilla Bettercreme® (PC 03454) and garnish with sliced strawberries.

Boston Cream Pie: This begins with a Yellow Cupcake (PC 03474). Fill the cupcake with a Bavarian Crème filling (PC 02887), frost with Rich’s® Double Chocolate Bettercreme® (PC 62732), and drizzle chocolate on top.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie: Start with a Chocolate Cupcake (PC 03499). Use Rich’s® Cookies ’N Créme On Top® Made with Oreo® (PC 07874) for a filling, frost with Rich’s® Cookies-N-Créme Bettercreme® Icing (PC 00331), and garnish with cool Andes mints.

Red Velvet: Start with a Red Velvet Cupcake (PC 08690, fill with Rich’s® Chocolate On Top® (PC 01855), and frost with Rich’s® Cream Cheese Bettercreme® Icing (PC 03069). This can be finished off with red decorating sugar.

Cupcakes still remain a popular, profitable foodservice menu item. It takes creative uses of complementary and contrasting flavors and textures to entice today's cupcake consumer.