Cake or cupcake, chocolate with white icing, from mix
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic, moist chocolate cake or cupcake, baked from a convenient mix and crowned with a sweet, creamy white icing. The texture is typically soft and tender, offering a rich cocoa flavor balanced by the sugary, smooth frosting. Nutritionally, it's a high-energy treat, primarily providing carbohydrates and fat with a modest amount of protein.
Calorie split: 3% protein · 60% carbs · 37% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, nostalgic taste and the satisfying contrast between the moist chocolate base and the sweet, creamy icing. It's a versatile treat that's perfect for birthdays, parties, or a simple indulgence.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
This treat is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is not ideal for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair a small portion with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts or Greek yogurt) to slow sugar absorption, and practice strict portion control by sticking to a single cupcake or a thin slice of cake.
Key benefits
- Quick and convenient to prepare from a mix.
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Offers a comforting and familiar sweet flavor.
- Can be easily decorated for celebrations.
- A popular and accessible dessert option.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern cupcake is believed to have originated in the late 18th century, when ingredients were measured in cups instead of by weight, leading to the name '1234 cake' for its simple ratio of one cup butter, two cups sugar, three cups flour, and four eggs.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 27.7 g |
| Energy | 349 kcal |
| Protein | 3.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 53.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 38.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 73.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 140 mg |
| Potassium, K | 84.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 306 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.44 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.23 mg |
| Niacin | 0.77 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 24.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 33.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 33.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.12 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 21.0 ug |
| Retinol | 21.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 59.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 11.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 6.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 55.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.68 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.60 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 47.0 mg |
FAQ
Is this food high in sugar?
Yes, it is very high in sugar. With over 38g of sugar per 100g, a single serving can contain a significant portion of your daily recommended intake.
Can I make it healthier?
You can reduce sugar in the icing or use alternative flours, but the base mix is typically high in refined carbs. Consider pairing it with protein or fiber-rich foods to balance the meal.
What are the common allergens?
Common allergens include wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy) from the mix and icing. Always check the specific product label for allergen information.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.49 kcal/g · 3% calories from protein · 1.4 g fiber · 38.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.64 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.