BEHIND THE BAKES

Located on Hardman Street in Spinningfields, Hey Little Cupcake has become a cherished spot for those with a sweet tooth. Known for their seasonally inspired cupcakes, cake pops, brownies and even homemade lemonade, Hey Little Cupcake offers a charming blend of sweet treats and artistry that keeps customers coming back for more.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with the owner of this delightful bakery, Sarah, to learn more about what makes this place so special.

Q: How did Hey Little Cupcake begin?  

A: Hey Little Cupcake was born from a love of baking and a passion for creating moments of joy through sweet treats. We started in 2010 in a small, cosy space in Spinningfields, where we shared our handmade cupcakes and cakes with the local community. What began as a home baking hobby quickly turned into a dream business. Over the years, we’ve grown, thanks to the incredible support of our customers. It has always been about spreading happiness, one cupcake at a time!  

Q: What is your most popular cake request?  

A: Our most popular cake request is definitely our bespoke celebration cakes, particularly for birthdays, weddings and special events. Customers love our vintage heart cakes and personalised designs, which allow them to bring their unique ideas to life in cake form.  

Q: What is your best-selling cupcake and cake?  

A: Without a doubt, our best-selling cupcake is the Red Velvet. Its rich, velvety texture and tangy cream cheese frosting make it irresistible. As for cakes, our Rainbow cake is always a crowd-pleaser – no explanation needed!  

Q: If I’m looking for something different, what would you recommend?  

A: I’d recommend our Gourmet Cupcake. It’s indulgent but light, with a crunchy cookie topping that everyone seems to fall in love with after just one bite.  

Q: What type of cake do you most enjoy creating?  

A: I absolutely love creating floral-themed cakes. They allow me to get creative with textures, colours and piping techniques. Each flower can be unique, and it’s such a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion.  

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?  

A: I draw inspiration from everywhere – nature, fashion, art and, of course, our customers! Their ideas and stories often spark creativity in the kitchen. I also follow food trends and love experimenting with new flavours and techniques.  

Q: Have you baked for any well-known names?  

A: Yes, we’ve had the pleasure of baking cakes for a few well-known names over the years! The Hoff, Manchester United team, Christine McGuinness, Dermot O’Leary, the cast of Coronation Street, John Barrowman, Emma Willis, The Chippendales, Justin Moorhouse and Sam Nixon… to name a few.  

Q: What is the most unusual order you’ve received?  

A: We loved creating random giraffe and flamingo cupcakes for a Three Mobile campaign!  

Q: What do you love most about baking?  

A: For me, it’s the joy it brings to people. Baking is such a personal experience – whether it’s a small cupcake or an elaborate cake, seeing customers’ reactions when they receive their order is always the best part.  

Q: What’s your secret to baking the perfect cake?  

A: It’s all about quality ingredients and precision. Use fresh, high-quality butter, eggs and vanilla for the best flavour, and always follow your measurements closely. Don’t forget the importance of sifting your dry ingredients – it makes for a lighter, fluffier cake!  

Q: What are your must-have tools in the kitchen?  

A: I can’t live without my offset spatula for smooth frosting, my piping bags with different tips for detailed decorations and a jug to help get the buttercream into the piping bag!  

Q: How do you approach vegan and gluten-free baking?  

A: It’s all about substituting ingredients wisely. We’ve spent a lot of time perfecting our recipes to ensure that our vegan and gluten-free cakes are just as moist and flavourful as our regular ones. For example, we use flax seeds as an egg replacer in our vegan cakes and high-quality gluten-free flours to maintain texture.  

Q: What can guests expect from your Halloween cupcake classes?  

A: Our Halloween cupcake classes are super fun because they’re hands-on and great for all skill levels. Guests can expect to learn fantastic themed decorating techniques while getting creative with spooky designs. Plus, everyone gets to take home their delicious masterpieces!  

Q: Can you describe your Halloween cupcakes in three words?  

A: Spooky, creative and fun!  

Q: What makes your afternoon tea sessions special?  

A: Our afternoon tea sessions are truly special because they offer a delightful blend of freshly made cupcakes, cakes, sandwiches and a fine selection of teas, all in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. 

What really sets us apart is the fun, themed experiences we carefully design to make each afternoon tea unique and memorable, regardless of age. Whether it’s a seasonal theme like Christmas, a whimsical Beauty & The Beast themed tea, or a magical Halloween-inspired spread, each theme adds an extra layer of excitement. Guests can expect not only delicious treats but also playful, themed décor and activities that enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults alike!  

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To discover more of their beautiful bakes, get information on upcoming workshops, or stay up to date with their baking journey, follow them on Instagram at @hlcupcake. You can also visit their website via www.heylittlecupcakeshop.uk to explore their afternoon tea experiences and workshop sessions.