I am not a typical foodie but it seems lately that everywhere you look, there are new establishments selling fresh baked cupcakes, and not just the kind that you buy at a typical bakery. Cupcakes are now being used as the dessert of choice at parties, showers, as wedding favors and even as alternatives to a wedding cake and centerpieces. Whats more, cupcakes keep getting bigger and bigger, to where eating your own cupcake takes some over-indulgence. Quite frankly, this cupcake craze reminds me of the smoothie revolution of a few years back when the Robeks’, the Jamba Juices and the Juice Stops of the world were coming into their own. Having eaten at a few of these new cupcake spots in town, I thought I’d let you in on my favorite places for cupcakes. Ready?
Crumbs Bake Shop – Located in the heart of Glendale, right next to the new and prestigious Americana at Brand, Crumbs is one of the more spacious cupcake establishments, that also happens to smell like heaven. With over 30 distinct flavors including rare creations not seen anywhere else including treats like Devil Dog, Butterfinger, Watermelon and Caramel Apple, Crumbs Bake shop offers decadence without the crazy. Incidentally, I learnt from their site that they are not just local to Los Angeles. In addition to the 5 locations in Los Angeles, they also have locations across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Flavor of the Month
Sprinkles is next on my list. With the first store opened in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles quickly became famous for its star power much like Pinkberry a few years back. On weekends, lines can be very long indeed. Perhaps best known for their Red Velvet cupcake, Sprinkles also has a wide assortment including Banana, Pumpkin and Chai Latte. However, some of these flavors are only offered on certain days of the week. While I have not been to other locations, I can say this about the Beverly Hills one, that it is a tiny little place, with hardly room to stand, let alone sit and enjoy your treat. This is a little frustrating because after waiting in line for as much as 30 minutes, you’d think one should be able to enjoy their cupcake and a glass of milk sitting down. Unfortunately, most of the time, you will end up taking it to go.
Sprinkles Display
Violets Cakes – I was first introduced to this local Pasadena shop by a friend and colleague. Violets has a distinctively home feel to it and are great for parties and home orders. Their chocolate frosting is some serious business and I love that they wrap their cupcakes in foil. Owned, operated and run by Pasadena local Denise Weber, this place is as local as it gets and a must try for those in the vicinity.
Dots Cupcakes – Even before I fell in love with Sprinkles, Crumbs and Violets, I loved Dots. Their Chocolate on Chocolate is moist and melts in your mouth. Health concious folks have the option to buy a mini cupcake, which I think is a nice touch. Having said that, I must say that the service is less than stellar and the place is the size of a large cubicle. There is no room to stand more than 5 people at their Arroyo Parkway location (they have two locations in Pasadena). And more often than not, they are out of your favorite flavor and their “excuse” is that they don’t run a retail business, rather they are primarily a catering business and don’t bake extras for foot traffic. So you get the feeling you are getting left overs. With three others to choose from, this place is last on my list, not for the quality, but rather the experience. Despite not being a chain, it gives you the feel of a chain store.
Do you feel that I may have missed out on your favorite cupcake place in LA? I am always open to new places, so if you feel strongly about a place, send me a note or write your comment below and I will check it out.
John Traveler
I personally intend to take note of this blog post, “Best Cupcakes in Los
Angeles | Travel & Tweet” on my personal website.
Would you care if perhaps I reallydo it? Many thanks -Carissa
I agree that cupcakes are such a hit, but you know what? There’s something new coming and I think it will be just a big as cuppies, and they are macarons! These delectable French desserts are just to-die-for. I foresee some macaron stores opening up soon.
Great John! Who ever thought so much attention would be given to those tasty little treats?
Hello!
Glad to see you have accumulated such a good list of the best cupcakes in Los Angeles! If you head to the east coast, take a look at some of our videos in HD that might help assist in making a “Best Cupcakes in New York” posting! Check us out at http://www.voyage.tv/new_york.html and see for yourself.
I’d add Vanilla Bakeshop in Santa Monica to your list! Gleaming glass case, a few little tables, light on crowding, and beautifully-decorated treats…even mini-cupcakes. (Wilshire b/t 4th and Lincoln.). For the best gluten-free cupcakes in town, gotta go with The Sensitive Baker in Culver City (on Washington Blvd. near Overland).
I will definitely have to try these recommendations out.
[...] John Traveler, from Travel and Tweet, offers up a delicious post on the best cupcakes in Los Angeles! [...]
We have great cupcakes in DC as well. Georgetown Cupcakes in particular is amazing.
The was a kind of weird article on Slate.com about the “cupcake bubble:” http://www.slate.com/id/2227216/
Mmm now I’m craving one…
Hi Stephanie – I will definitely check out Georgetown Cupcakes the next time I am in DC. Thanks for the comment!
Best
John
Cupcakes have definitely emerged as the go-to treat in the economic crisis. They are not just for kids parties anymore!
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