The Cupcake Club Books in Order
Complete reading order for The Cupcake Club series.
How to Read The Cupcake Club series
Standalone stories, but characters and relationships develop across the series.
The reading order of the series is best followed in publication sequence for the most satisfying experience, though the books can largely be enjoyed as standalones. The stories build on the club’s ongoing development, with subtle references to previous events, evolving relationships, and the girls’ growing confidence as bakers and friends. Sequential reading allows readers to witness the natural progression of the group dynamic and individual character arcs. However, each book features a self-contained conflict and resolution centered on a specific challenge or event, making it accessible for new readers to jump in at any point. The episodic nature of the cupcake projects combined with light continuity makes order flexible for casual fans.
About The Cupcake Club series
Series Premise
The premise centers on a group of middle-school girls who form the Cupcake Club (often called PLC for Peace, Love, and Cupcakes) as a way to express their creativity, support one another, and turn their love of baking into something meaningful. The club starts as a simple after-school activity but quickly grows into a small business venture, taking on orders for school events, parties, and special occasions. Each story follows the friends as they tackle challenges like tight deadlines, rival groups, family pressures, school drama, and personal insecurities while working together to design and bake spectacular cupcakes. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about collaboration, standing up for themselves, and balancing ambition with friendship. While the cupcake baking and business elements provide fun, tangible plots, the series is strongly character-driven, focusing on the girls’ emotional growth, evolving friendships, and individual journeys toward self-acceptance.
Main Characters
The main characters are the founding members of the Cupcake Club, a diverse group of talented and relatable middle-school girls. Lexi Poole is the artistic and creative force behind many designs, often shy but passionate about baking. Kylie brings organizational skills and enthusiasm as a natural leader. Jenna adds athletic energy and a no-nonsense attitude, while Sadie contributes humor and a love for bold flavors. Each girl has her own strengths, insecurities, and personal storylines that develop across the series, making the group feel like a real friend circle.
Setting
The setting is primarily the suburban town of Blakely, with much of the action taking place at Blakely Middle School, the girls’ homes, and the cozy kitchen where the club meets to bake. The school environment captures the familiar rhythms of middle-school life—cafeteria drama, club activities, hallways, and school events—while home kitchens become creative laboratories filled with flour, sprinkles, and the aroma of fresh cupcakes. Occasional scenes expand to local venues for deliveries or parties, adding variety while keeping the focus on the girls’ close-knit world. The settings feel authentic and inviting, with vivid descriptions of cupcake designs, flavors, and decorations that make readers hungry and inspired.
Tone & Themes
The tone is upbeat, fun, and encouraging, with a breezy, conversational style that feels like chatting with friends in a school cafeteria or kitchen. The writing is lively and age-appropriate, filled with humor from baking mishaps, witty dialogue, and the playful chaos of middle-school life. The overall theme emphasizes the power of friendship and teamwork, the importance of being true to yourself, creative self-expression, and the idea that girls can achieve big things when they support one another. Stories highlight resilience in the face of setbacks, the value of kindness and inclusivity, standing up to bullies or peer pressure, and the joy of turning a hobby into something that brings happiness to others. There is a subtle message about balance—between school, family, friendships, and passions—without feeling preachy.
In conclusion, the Cupcake Club series by Sheryl Berk and Carrie Berk offers a sweet and empowering celebration of friendship, creativity, and girl power through the joyful world of baking. With its upbeat tone, relatable characters, and positive messages about teamwork and self-confidence, the books provide fun, inspiring reading for middle-grade audiences who dream of turning their passions into something special. The series reminds young readers that even the smallest ideas—like a simple cupcake—can bring people together and create something truly wonderful when shared with friends. For children who enjoy stories about school, baking, and navigating the ups and downs of friendship, these books deliver consistent delight and encouragement. The Cupcake Club stands as a testament to the idea that with a little flour, a lot of heart, and the support of good friends, girls can rise to any challenge and make life a little sweeter—one perfectly decorated cupcake at a time. Whether baking along with the PLC for one adventure or following their full journey, readers will close the books feeling motivated, entertained, and hungry for more.
FAQ
12 books
No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, Cupcakes Are Forever, was published in October 2017.
Cupcakes Are Forever was published in October 2017.
The first book in the series is Peace, Love & Cupcakes, published in April 2012.
The series primarily falls into the General Fiction genre.
It’s best to read the series in order. Each book has its own story, but ongoing character arcs and relationships develop across the series.
The premise centers on a group of middle-school girls who form the Cupcake Club (often called PLC for Peace, Love, and Cupcakes) as a way to express their creativity, support one another, and turn their love of baking into something meaningful. The club starts as a simple after-school activity but quickly grows into a small business venture, taking on orders for school events, parties, and special occasions. Each story follows the friends as they tackle challenges like tight deadlines, rival groups, family pressures, school drama, and personal insecurities while working together to design and bake spectacular cupcakes. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about collaboration, standing up for themselves, and balancing ambition with friendship. While the cupcake baking and business elements provide fun, tangible plots, the series is strongly character-driven, focusing on the girls’ emotional growth, evolving friendships, and individual journeys toward self-acceptance.
The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.