MADISON, Wis. -- The bad economy is boosting the bottom line of at least one local bakery.

A few years ago, gourmet cupcake shops became a big trend in New York, and the trend spread from there.

While many industries are still struggling from the effects of the recession, the cupcake has proven to be a pretty sweet investment for one local bakery.

"Today, we sold our 62,000th cupcake," said Daryl Sisson, co-owner of the Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery in Madison.

Ten months ago, in the middle of the recession, Sisson opened the Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery on Atwood Avenue on the city's East Side. The store is now doubling his projected opening sales.

"I had lived in Seattle and I knew they were big there, so I said, 'This is a coast-to-coast phenomenon,'" Sisson said.

Something as little as a cupcake is baking up new industry and competition in Madison.

"We were the first gourmet cupcake place in the state of Wisconsin. Now, there are four in Madison and announced plans for another one in Milwaukee," said Sisson.

In a time when many consumers are cutting back, cupcakes appear to be the answer for dessert and more.

"I think there's something kind of retro about it, the frosting and the cake and it's an inexpensive way to treat your family," said Erica Gill, of Madison.

But its secret to success might be something simpler.

"Cupcakes make people happy," said Sisson.

The Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery bakes an average 1,500 cupcakes a week, and it anticipates selling its 100,000th cupcake this summer.

It's a big feat for a not-so-small bite of sweetness.

"Its affordable, and it's every bit a special treat. You may not get a seven-layer cake at $5. You get a smaller, tighter package at a reasonable price," said Sisson.

Sisson said he was confident his cupcakery would do well because of the success he's seen similar businesses have in other parts of the country. He knew when he started he would be the first in this market.

He did hedge his bets, however, as his shop also serves lunch and other products just in case the cupcake business couldn't do it alone.