Who created the first cupcake?

There's no single person credited with creating the first cupcake! It's more of a gradual evolution:

* Early forms: Cakes in small, individual portions existed long before the modern cupcake. These were often called "little cakes" or "bunns."

* 18th Century: Cupcakes were popular in England, made with batter scooped into teacups for baking. This practice is believed to be where the name "cupcake" originated.

* 19th Century: As the industrial revolution progressed, specialized cupcake tins and paper liners emerged. These made the process of baking and decorating easier, leading to the cupcake's rise in popularity.

So, while we can't pinpoint a specific inventor, the evolution of the cupcake reflects the changing culinary landscape over time.