National Cupcake Day is celebrated annually on December 15, a day dedicated to the compact and versatile dessert that has become a staple in American baking. The holiday provides an opportunity for bakeries and brands to offer special promotions, including free items and discounts, to consumers. The following article details the specific offers available for National Cupcake Day, based on information from provided sources. All factual claims regarding deals, eligibility, and redemption processes are drawn exclusively from the source documents.
Specific Offers and Promotions for National Cupcake Day
Several bakeries and brands have announced deals for National Cupcake Day. The availability of these offers is tied to specific dates, locations, and conditions as outlined below.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Sprinkles, a cupcake-only bakery with locations across nine states, offers two distinct promotions for National Cupcake Day.
- Free Cupcake: The first 25 guests at each Sprinkles bakery location on December 15 will receive a free red velvet cupcake. This offer is in-store only and limited to the first 25 customers per location. Consumers are directed to the Sprinkles website to find specific bakery locations.
- Online Purchase Coupon: For online orders placed on December 15, customers who spend more than $60 will receive a $15 coupon for a future purchase. This coupon is contingent on opting into marketing emails and will be delivered within 48 hours of the purchase. The coupon is valid for redemption from December 18, 2023, through February 6, 2024.
Baked by Melissa
Baked by Melissa, which operates 14 retail locations, provides an in-store freebie.
- Free Three-Pack: Customers who visit any Baked by Melissa retail location on December 15 will receive a free three-pack of cupcakes. The source material does not specify any purchase requirement or other eligibility criteria for this offer.
Other Brand Discounts
A separate list of deals, promoted through TODAY.com, includes discount codes for various cupcake brands, valid on December 15 unless otherwise noted. These offers are for specific products and are subject to the terms listed.
- Baketivity: Offers 25% off select products for TODAY.com readers using the code
TODAY. The discount period runs from December 15 to 31. - Crumbs: Provides 15% off cupcakes on Goldbelly for TODAY.com readers using the code
GBTODAYCUPCAKE. This code can be used multiple times. - Cupcakes by Carousel: Gives 20% off all cupcakes on Goldbelly for TODAY.com readers using the code
CUPCAKES20on December 15. - Dylan’s Candy Bar: Offers 25% off its Vanilla Cake Bar on December 15 using the code
CUPCAKE25. This offer is available while supplies last and cannot be combined with other discounts. - Georgetown Cupcake: Provides a 20% off deal for customers using the code
CUPCAKE23on December 15. The discount applies to the brand’s December preset dozens. - Red Velvet NYC: Extends a BOGO 50% off deal for TODAY.com readers using the code
COOKIESTODAY. This offer is valid through the end of 2023. - Sprinkles: Offers 20% off national ship orders on the Sprinkles website for TODAY.com readers using the code
20OFFTODAY. There is no minimum purchase required, and the code is valid for one use per guest through December 31.
Context and Market Trends
National Cupcake Day occurs during the holiday season, a period when bakeries experience high demand for festive treats. The dessert’s popularity is reflected in market data, with the global cupcake market valued at approximately $2.99 billion in 2024 and projected to grow in the coming years. This growth is attributed to rising demand for premium and homemade-style cupcakes.
Bakeries often introduce special flavors for the holiday. For example, Sprinkles features holiday-specific options like Chocolate Peppermint, Gingerbread, and Red Velvet in its December lineup. Baked by Melissa offers its Latest & Greatest collection, which includes bite-sized varieties such as Cookie Dough and Double Cookie. Some regional bakeries, like My Little Cupcake in Vermont, incorporate local ingredients into their special flavors.
The day also encourages home baking and community events, such as bake-offs and decorating contests, which highlight the dessert's role in American culinary traditions.
Conclusion
National Cupcake Day on December 15 is marked by specific, limited-time offers from participating bakeries. Consumers seeking free cupcakes can visit Sprinkles (first 25 guests) or Baked by Melissa for a free three-pack on December 15. Numerous discount codes are also available for online purchases on the same day through brands like Crumbs, Georgetown Cupcake, and Sprinkles. These promotions are tied to precise dates, codes, and terms, such as purchase minimums or supply limits. The holiday underscores the continued cultural and economic significance of cupcakes in the United States.