The Travelling Cupcake
Since diving into the world of cupcakes, I've been much more attentive to what the rest of the world has to offer and have made it a point to seek out at least one cupcake shop in every town I have traveled to. This section of the blog will be designated to my Travelling Cupcake journal in which I document the cupcake shops I have encountered and their tasty propositions. (Traveling with a friend, or two, is always beneficial so that I get the opportunity to try more than just one without feeling too guilty ;)
The Peppered Cupcake 105 S Front St, Wilmington, NC
This cute little shop on the main street provides a small eat in space, with ornate ceilings and chandelier lighting. I was really drawn to the old hutch they had the cupcakes on display in (they carry 15 flavours daily). They are unique in that they have a 'warm cupcake' selection which offers up some classic pie and cobbler varieties to be enjoyed heated. They also offer curbside service!
Price:$3.50/specialty cupcake
Purchased:
Signature cupcake - The Peppered Cupcake:a moist vanilla cake topped with a soft cream cheese frosting, dolloped with a rugged homemade marmalade jam and sprinkled with fresh ground black pepper whose spice lingered for moments post consumption.
Bourbon Pecan Pie: moist vanilla cake, smooth frosting (we found to be slightly lack luster, though the consistency held well), seemed to be filled with a vanilla custard, topped with pecans in a bourbon praline sauce
Price:$3.50/specialty cupcake
Purchased:
Signature cupcake - The Peppered Cupcake:a moist vanilla cake topped with a soft cream cheese frosting, dolloped with a rugged homemade marmalade jam and sprinkled with fresh ground black pepper whose spice lingered for moments post consumption.
Bourbon Pecan Pie: moist vanilla cake, smooth frosting (we found to be slightly lack luster, though the consistency held well), seemed to be filled with a vanilla custard, topped with pecans in a bourbon praline sauce
Coccadotts 106 Sayebrook Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, Sc
You may have heard about this cake shop from one of their appearances on Cupcake Wars. I personally came across it while searching for treats in the Myrtle Beach area (there are two sister shops in NY). A pretty little shop tucked away in a big box plaza, this shop had the most staff I've ever seen in a cupcakery at once (at least 5). I was blown away by the selection of flavours available for immediate consumption, all beautifully presented, AND they have a travelling truck!
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased Cupcakes: Orange Dream, Watermelon, OMG and Ferrero Rocher
All of the flavours were spot on. Cake and frosting consistencies were perfect! I definitely plan on making a point of getting back to eventually sample each of their ~45 creations :)
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased Cupcakes: Orange Dream, Watermelon, OMG and Ferrero Rocher
All of the flavours were spot on. Cake and frosting consistencies were perfect! I definitely plan on making a point of getting back to eventually sample each of their ~45 creations :)
Scottcakes 353 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA
You definitely need to know what you're looking for to find this little shop at the bottom of a long stairwell. This shop was established under some serious controversy when Scott began selling his cakes as a street vendor in 2008, but as the 2010 summer season came to a close, he had been issued multiple fines for illegally making the sales. All the drama even inspired a play - "Cupcake: A New Musical" which showed in Boston in 2012. The most fascinating thing about the shop, for me, is the fact that his business model is based on providing one single cupcake; a vanilla cake topped with pink vanilla frosting (they also come in minis).
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: The one and only Scottcake.
The cakes are perfectly moist and the frosting prefectly creamy. This cupcake differs from most in that there is a thin layer of frosting spread over the top unlike the 1-2inch dollop I usually see from the shops, but it was tasty nonetheless.
https://www.facebook.com/ScottCakes
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: The one and only Scottcake.
The cakes are perfectly moist and the frosting prefectly creamy. This cupcake differs from most in that there is a thin layer of frosting spread over the top unlike the 1-2inch dollop I usually see from the shops, but it was tasty nonetheless.
https://www.facebook.com/ScottCakes
The Southern Cupcake Company 3600-2 Hwy 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC
I researched this shop prior to travel to Myrtle Beach, a trip that luckily coincided with my escaping New England and Blizzard Nemo. This shopped, tucked away in a plaza (drove right by it) offers one of the most spacious seating areas I've seen. Offering about eight flavours (four staple daily flavours and four guest stars from a fantastic list of options), they also have pupcakes available for your four legged pal.
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Blueberry Lemon, Caramel Delight
The cakes both exhibited intense flavours that combined in just a way that nothing was overwhelming and everything delicious. The frosting had that perfect outer crunch and were seasoned just right, while providing just shy of too much frosting making for a wonderful balance.
http://thesoutherncupcakecompany.com/
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Blueberry Lemon, Caramel Delight
The cakes both exhibited intense flavours that combined in just a way that nothing was overwhelming and everything delicious. The frosting had that perfect outer crunch and were seasoned just right, while providing just shy of too much frosting making for a wonderful balance.
http://thesoutherncupcakecompany.com/
Miss Cupcake 22, rue de la Vieuville, Paris, France
COMPLETELY random stumble while wandering the backstreets of beautiful Montmartre in Paris. This shoppe offers the most vast and beautiful selection I have seen to date with over 25 flavours available to walk-ins all perfectly lined up along a glass fronted counter leading you to the check out and they ultimate decision, which cupcake to choose?!?! Have 4, they're small ;)
Price: ? (I don't recall)
Purchased cupcakes: Banoffee, Tiramisu, Chocolate Dipped Chocolate
These cakes were about half the size of the average cupcake one would purchase while traveling in the US which made them that much more exciting/intriguing. The bites seemed all the more flavourful, as if concentrated in a smaller vessel.
http://www.misscupcake.fr/
Price: ? (I don't recall)
Purchased cupcakes: Banoffee, Tiramisu, Chocolate Dipped Chocolate
These cakes were about half the size of the average cupcake one would purchase while traveling in the US which made them that much more exciting/intriguing. The bites seemed all the more flavourful, as if concentrated in a smaller vessel.
http://www.misscupcake.fr/
Newport Sweet Shop 82 William Street, Newport, RI
Randomly stumbled onto this shop as a Foodie on Foot Tour came to an end in this great city. A feast for the eyes, this shop not only offers 12 daily flavours in addition to 4-6 seasonals, they also offer hand crafted chocolates, truffles, cookies and full sized cakes.
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Sweet Potato
The cake definitely exhibited the spiced sweet potato flavour one would expect (similar to a carrot cake), perfectly balanced with a gummy marshmallow cream frosting and topped with a few toasted marshmallows creating a perfect execution of this classic fall flavour combination.http://newportsweetshoppe.com/
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Sweet Potato
The cake definitely exhibited the spiced sweet potato flavour one would expect (similar to a carrot cake), perfectly balanced with a gummy marshmallow cream frosting and topped with a few toasted marshmallows creating a perfect execution of this classic fall flavour combination.http://newportsweetshoppe.com/
Gigi's Cupcakes 550 Grant Street, Unit 3, Denver, CO
I pre-searched this shop while planning a trip to Denver for a friend's wedding reception. This is another shop with a menu that changes daily, pulling from a vast selection of flavours (11 available to choose from for walk-ins). The clean lined, well lit counter displayed wonderfully decorated treats which made selecting a single treat nearly impossible.
Price: $3.25/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Coconut Cream Pie
The cake itself was super light and airy which very much supports the concept. The desirably stiff cream cheese frosting was rolled in graham crumbs which added nice texture to the cupcake as a whole. I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy, pudding like, coconut filling which finished the whole concept perfectly. This was yet another treat topped with a little more frosting than necessary, and it was overly firm compared to the light cake below; my companion had to provide support for the cake to keep it upright while trying to get a fork into it.
http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/denvercolorado
Price: $3.25/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Coconut Cream Pie
The cake itself was super light and airy which very much supports the concept. The desirably stiff cream cheese frosting was rolled in graham crumbs which added nice texture to the cupcake as a whole. I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy, pudding like, coconut filling which finished the whole concept perfectly. This was yet another treat topped with a little more frosting than necessary, and it was overly firm compared to the light cake below; my companion had to provide support for the cake to keep it upright while trying to get a fork into it.
http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/denvercolorado
Sweet (multi locations) Boston, MA
This shop I specifically sought out with regards to location in relation to where the girls and I would be enjoying lunch and the 2012 Zombie Walk through Boston. Very well dressed, this shop offers eight regular flavours with seasonal variation and Frosting Shots! Small cups of frosting for $0.50 if you're craving a sweet but aren't into committing to an entire cupcake.
Price: $3.25/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Sweet Cake, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Lemon Raspberry
The frostings were definitely the forte here in both presentation and flavour. The vanilla cake was a little dry, while the chocolate and lemon cakes were moist.
http://www.sweetcupcakes.com
Price: $3.25/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Sweet Cake, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Lemon Raspberry
The frostings were definitely the forte here in both presentation and flavour. The vanilla cake was a little dry, while the chocolate and lemon cakes were moist.
http://www.sweetcupcakes.com
White Mountain Cupcakery 2757 WHite Mountain Hwy, N.Conway, NH
Came across this one while on a Girls Weekend revolving around Chocolate Fest 2012. This was one of the local shops that participated in the event where local businesses opened their doors and provided tasty samples of what their businesses have to offer. This particular shop was quite large, well lit and provided a great selection (~15 flavours ready to go).
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Boston Cream, Classic Red Velvet, Almond Joy, Green Mint Mountain
All fantastic choices combining light, fluffy cakes and serious frosting...almost too serious - I was surprised that some of the cakes didn't collapse under the weight of the frosting, it was piled so high! Each cupcake brought to the table exactly what it advertised.
http://wmcupcakery.com/
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Boston Cream, Classic Red Velvet, Almond Joy, Green Mint Mountain
All fantastic choices combining light, fluffy cakes and serious frosting...almost too serious - I was surprised that some of the cakes didn't collapse under the weight of the frosting, it was piled so high! Each cupcake brought to the table exactly what it advertised.
http://wmcupcakery.com/
Icing Fever (closed) Grimsby, ON
I read about this shop Niagara Life Magazine, they were interview for their super creative flavours and I decided to check it out for myself. They made available eight quirky cupcakes to choose from each day, the options varying daily on a 15 flavour rotation+seasonal varieties, so I made an effort to stop by a few times to try them out for myself.
Price: $2/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Pink Champagne, Gingerbread Latte, After Eight Dreamsicle, Mojito, Great Canadian, BobO, Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Bun, Salted Caramel
Always spot on with their concepts, the flavours were generally not overwhelming which allowed each of them to come through, however, I found myself wanting more of the individual components more often than not. Still, I'm sad to hear they have closed up shop.
Price: $2/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Pink Champagne, Gingerbread Latte, After Eight Dreamsicle, Mojito, Great Canadian, BobO, Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Bun, Salted Caramel
Always spot on with their concepts, the flavours were generally not overwhelming which allowed each of them to come through, however, I found myself wanting more of the individual components more often than not. Still, I'm sad to hear they have closed up shop.
Designer Delights (Closed) 22 Highway 20 West, Fonthill, ON
This is a cute little shop that opened up in the boutique area of my hometown. I try to stop in anytime I am visiting my parents to see what flavours they have to offer (usually five available for walk-ins, more for special order). This shop sticks with traditional vanilla or chocolate cakes (red velvet also available) and gets creative with their frosting flavours and techniques. They're known for their innovative and edible cupcake bouquets which can be customized in a variety of fashions for any occasion.
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Oreo Delight, Designer Delight, Raspberry Delight, Peanut Butter Delight
Cakes (chocolate and vanilla) were perfectly textured and delicious. The crusty edged frosting tops were perfectly balanced in flavour and in proportion to the cakes.
http://designerdelights.ca/
Price: $2.50/cupcake
Purchased cupcakes: Oreo Delight, Designer Delight, Raspberry Delight, Peanut Butter Delight
Cakes (chocolate and vanilla) were perfectly textured and delicious. The crusty edged frosting tops were perfectly balanced in flavour and in proportion to the cakes.
http://designerdelights.ca/
The Cupcake Spot 3225 S. MacDill Ave #103, Tampa, FL
I was in Tampa on travel for work in December of 2011 and happened onto this shop a ways out of town. This shop had an impressive availability of cupcakes (~15 flavours) in a well lit case. The pepto-bismol coloured walls and a retro black and white checkered floor of the store create a fun atmosphere.
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Better Than (signature cake)
A deluxe vanilla cupcake loaded with chocolate chips, topped with a cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips. The cake was very moist, to the point that the crumbs were sticky and the top of the cake glossy. The frosting was quite soft, almost to a point of melting of the cake (seen sloughing in the photo) though it faired through my dissection. The taste to me was nit unlike that of a Tim Horton`s chocolate chip muffin (a personal childhood staple), so it evoked a warm fuzzy feeling which was complimented by the cream cheese.
http://www.thecupcakespotinc.com/
Price: $3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: Better Than (signature cake)
A deluxe vanilla cupcake loaded with chocolate chips, topped with a cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips. The cake was very moist, to the point that the crumbs were sticky and the top of the cake glossy. The frosting was quite soft, almost to a point of melting of the cake (seen sloughing in the photo) though it faired through my dissection. The taste to me was nit unlike that of a Tim Horton`s chocolate chip muffin (a personal childhood staple), so it evoked a warm fuzzy feeling which was complimented by the cream cheese.
http://www.thecupcakespotinc.com/
Caroline's Cupcakes (closed) Baltimore, MD
I traveled to Baltimore in October 2011 for the zombie themed "Run for your lives" obstacle course which took place on the outskirts of the city. While checking out the downtown area (Charm City Cakes included), we stumbled onto this shop which offered a decent variety cakes (~8 flavours).
Price:$3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: French Toast
This was a cinnamon based cake piled high with a maple buttercream frosting and topped with bacon crumbles. The frosting was perfect (to me) in that it had the crispy edges on the outside of the frosting dollop. The maple was definitely present in the frosting, though more bacon would have been much appreciated. The cake itself was a little dry, reassuring that I'm not the only one with this issue.
Price:$3/cupcake
Purchased cupcake: French Toast
This was a cinnamon based cake piled high with a maple buttercream frosting and topped with bacon crumbles. The frosting was perfect (to me) in that it had the crispy edges on the outside of the frosting dollop. The maple was definitely present in the frosting, though more bacon would have been much appreciated. The cake itself was a little dry, reassuring that I'm not the only one with this issue.