Adults aren’t as picky about their foods as kids are, but they do appreciate good aesthetics. How else would some of those fancy restaurants flourish when the food itself occupies a mere ¼ of the plate and the rest is compensated by the exquisite arrangement? The same applies to foods cooked in households, be it pasta, main courses, or desserts. Cupcakes are not above the rule as well.

Sure, adults can and will eat those plain, unfrosted cupcakes you didn’t have time to design. But for them to truly appreciate your creation, you need to ice them according to the occasion or the preferences of your family. There are already a lot of unique frosting recipes that utilize a wide variety of ingredients. Experiment with your family’s tastes and stick with what they prefer the most.

Many adults never did outgrow the sweet tooth they had as a child, but they aren’t usually as voracious for the sugar high. Many people I know would regretfully decline cupcakes and reach for ‘healthier’ dessert fare, like pieces of fruit. If the adults you are preparing cupcakes for are the health-conscious types, look up various recipes that make use of little or no fattening agents such as sugar or butter.

One thing that is perhaps the fundamental difference between adults and kids is that adults, whether they like it or not, will have the tendency to judge your cupcake against those that they have tasted in the past. Adults will have higher standards. To avoid unfavorable reviews even among your friends, practice making cupcakes, and put forth your best recipe. This is your chance to show them one recipe that they will never taste in other households. Experiment, make it your own, and blow them away with the unique twist you put in any old boring cupcake.