Who doesn't love cupcakes? The cute design and the irresistible flavor are just too good to be missed. However, a cupcake is not to be confused with a muffin. I once read an interesting statement : "If you threw a cupcake against the wall, you would hear something of a 'poof!' If you threw a muffin, you would hear a 'thud!'". Basically, cupcake is lighter and sweeter than muffin. Cupcake always has cute icing on top of it, but muffin is usually plain.
Did you know that cupcakes and fairy cakes are actually the same? Fairy cake is a more common term in British whilst cupcake was generally used in Canada, America, and Australia.
Before the 19th century, cakes were often baked in individual package and their names were derived from the cups they were baked in. This is where the name "cupcake" comes from. These days, that term is given to any small cake that is about the size of a teacup. "Fairy cake" is rather an interesting term, because the size of cupcake may be more appropriate for fairies.
Nowadays, cupcakes are often served in party. The design adds more value to the cupcake as it can be of any varieties depend on what party it is served. Cupcakes are also easier to be eaten because they are small and do not require specific utensils to use.
Here are some pictures of cupcake for your enjoyment ^__^
Cute, isn't it? 
Cited from :
English Forum (the interesting statement)
Wikipedia for the history
