The whore of the dessert world, cupcakes have earned a bad rap. Sure, they’re everywhere. But slandering a sweet? That’s just salty.

Erika Durham’s just-launched company, Yumcakes, will make you ashamed you ever took their name in vain. The trained chef’s thoughtful, artistic creations (pictured) are almost too beautiful to eat — almost.

The menu dazzles: Praline-filled almond cake is topped with vanilla mousse, toasted almonds, and a French macaron; Abuelita’s Flan bursts with creamy caramel. Durham offsets sweetness with salt (a white chocolate-covered pretzel and a sprinkle of sea salt atop malted cake) and heat (chipotle-laced Mexican chocolate).

Or, given 48 hours, Durham can custom-make cupcakes that mimic your favorite dessert. She’s riffed on everything from oatmeal raisin cookies to strawberry-rhubarb pie. Ah, cupcakes — always turning tricks.

Available online at yumcakesinc.com.

Photo: Nicolette Stanton Photography / Courtesy of Yumcakes

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